In an otherwise generally uninspired offering, the backbone of the sale are 47 works by Elizabeth Durack (Lots 1-47) and 34 works by the late Arthur Russell, (Lots 48-81), consigned from his estate.
In last year’s Durack auction at McKenzie's, all of the 135 artworks catalogued sold on the night, most reaching prices over the high reserve. If last year’s auction has set the benchmark, no doubt this sale will have bidders queuing to get in the door. Last years sale was a single owner collection, as are the Durack works in this sale, and this undoubtedly contributed to its success.
Arthur Russell (1927-2009) was a well known Western Australian artist, and a great contributor to the visual arts in Western Australia as an artist, art teacher and Education Officer at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. His work is represented in numerous institutional collections. This collection on offer consists of a range of his drawings, watercolours and oils.
Other gems in this collection include Sidney Nolan's Leda and the Swan, (Lot 92 ) with an estimate of $4,500 – 7,500. This late 1950s series of Nolan’s was an exploration into the mythical world, diverting from his iconic Australian scenes. In 2005, Christies sold a similar work at a hammer price of $9,500.
William Beckwith McInnes (1889-1939) was born in Melbourne, and began his career as a landscape painter, who after spending time in Europe returned to Australia as a portrait artist in great demand. In 1918 he won the Wynne Prize and a seven time winner of the Archibald. 1928 he exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts, London. In 1934 he was appointed Acting Director of the National Gallery of Victoria. Included in this sale is View Towards The Dandenongs, (Lot 99 ) with an estimate between $1,200-$1,800. This painterly little landscape painting does a nice job at reflecting the rugged beauty of the Victorian countryside.
Julie Dowling (b.1969), is one of WA's most collectable Noongar Aboriginal artists. Dowling’s work interprets the history and relationships between white and Aboriginal Australians. Her paintings, prints and drawings are included in more than 200 private and public collections in Australia, United States, England, Germany and Switzerland. This sale includes Self Portrait; Chains 2000, (Lot 150 ) with an estimate between $1,500-$2,500. Dowling’s Self Portrait forces the viewer to acknowledge the image of another human being, breaking down barriers between individuals. The image reflects the subject's flaws, fears, history, beauty, inner-emotion and the existence of disenfranchised countrymen and women.
This sale contains many fine artworks which, although not major, represent some good buying for collectors at the affordable end of the market.
