All things Visual Art on Curtin Radio 100.1FM

A week or two ago I was asked by the wonderful Jenny Seaton, weekday presenter on the popular radio alternative Curtin Radio 100.1FM, to come in to have a chat on-air with her about all things visual art. 

Well, today was the day. Curtin Radio is based out at Curtin University, Bentley WA, and my old stomping ground.

Today's focus was on having your art valued. 

I love this subject, because it brings out so many different stories about individual collections. However, one thing I do recommend to people who have artworks that they know little or nothing about is first to Google the artist. 

You should be able to find the artist's signature on or near the bottom of the painting, or sometimes the artists writes their name and the title of the painting and if you are lucky the date on the back, known as 'verso'.   

        

With this information in hand it will make a great starting point for you to do some initial due diligence. 

Once you have done this and, hopefully, you have gained some insight about the artist and the artwork, it is time to make contact with an experienced industry professional, like myself. From here I will need to view the artwork/s so I can advise you if it is worth you having them valued.

Finally, the MOST important thing about having your artwork valued is 'provenance, provenance and provenance. Did I mention provenance? One needs to follow a paper trail!

Realistically, you should have all your artworks valued every two years. This will keep your insurance company happy and will give you a great piece of mind.

PS: If I happen to find a podcast for today’s segment I will repost this blog with it included.

Remember, "Art is not what you see, it is what you make others see." Edgar Degas

Ben Quilty: after Afghanistan; Shaun Gladwell: Afghanistan at John Curtin Gallery

Last night I went to the exhibition opening of Ben Quilty: after Afghanistan; Shaun Gladwell: Afghanistan at John Curtin Gallery (JCG), at Curtin University, Bentley WA. I have to say, although I regularly receive invitations from the JCG it is not to often I venture to Curtin to see one. It is a bit of a drive. However, I knew this was coming up and I really wanted to go. 

War artists are an important part of Australia's culture. They have great purpose for several reasons. The first is obvious, as they record historical events. Another is to bring back an emotional understanding of what our soldiers experience, but the reason that I feel is most important is, it help our soldiers heal. They go through this emotionally revealing experience with the artist, uncovering layer upon layer of the visions of war. In this exhibition you definitely see this. It is beautifully emotional and revealing. 

In last nights opening we were fortunate to have heard from two Australian Special Air Service Regiment soldiers (SAS), both have had stellar careers in the SAS spanning over 35 years, tell emotional and descriptive accounts of their service abroad and the impact it has had for Australia and how it affected their loved ones left behind. 

This is a powerful exhibition, definitely one to recommend to our friends and acquaintances to go and see. The exhibition runs until the 14 August. You can click on the link below to the gallery for opening times and public programs.

Ben Quilty: after Afghanistan; Shaun Gladwell: Afghanistan

PS: I did get in trouble for taking these photos...