Private collector brings leading contemporary art to NZ

Media release: 15 August 2013

Private collector brings leading contemporary art to New Zealand

A Puppet, a Pauper, a Pirate, a Poet, a Pawn and a King
Works from the private collection of Naomi Milgrom AO
Curated by Natasha Conland, Curator, Contemporary Art

Image credit: Kara Walker, …calling to me from the angry surface of some grey and threatening sea, 2007, video installation, Naomi Milgrom Collection

From 31 August, explore diverse themes and mediums at Auckland Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, A Puppet, a Pauper, a Pirate, a Poet, a Pawn and a King, which brings together works from the private collection of Australian entrepreneur and art collector Naomi Milgrom.

Auckland Art Gallery is to be the first public institution to display Milgrom’s striking and adventurous collection of internationally acclaimed contemporary art. The exhibition includes works by Turner Prize winner Martin Boyce, German photographer Andreas Gursky, South African interdisciplinary artist William Kentridge as well as German photographer Thomas Demand, African-American artist Kara Walker and the Polish painter Wilhelm Sasnal.

Suggesting a diversity of roles, the exhibition title is borrowed from the lyrics of ‘That’s Life’ – the tune immortalised by Frank Sinatra in 1966. The works on display include Andreas Gursky’s remarkable c-print, Untitled V, Kara Walker’s video installation …calling me from the angry surface of some grey and threatening sea and Wilhelm Sasnal’s R.Oppenheim and His Brother, as well as drawing, video, photography and installation – some of which will be seen for the very first time in New Zealand.

Milgrom has built a collection in which the poetic and intimate co-exist alongside powerful contemporary imagery in a diverse collection embracing a broad spectrum of ideas, art techniques and perspectives.

‘It is the first time I have ever shown a group of works from my collection in a public space, and I can’t wait for people to experience the works,’ says Ms Milgrom.
Recently appointed Auckland Art Gallery Director Rhana Devenport notes, ‘Auckland Art Gallery is truly delighted to be the first public gallery to profile this remarkable and internationally significant private collection.’

Auckland Art Gallery Curator, Contemporary Art Natasha Conland, says the exhibition touches on the different roles and influences artists explore today, as well as the capacity for artists to reinvent, reinterpret and transition between different media.

‘The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the private collection of one of Australasia’s foremost contemporary art collectors and an important advocate for the arts.

‘Naomi Milgrom is not only building a significant private collection, but is also a major supporter of art education and cultural projects in the southern hemisphere,’ she says.  

A Puppet, a Pauper, a Pirate, a Poet, a Pawn and a King features 22 works and runs from 31 August until 27 January 2014. 

Entry is free.

ENDS

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