Heat in the Eyes presented more than fifty works recently acquired by the University through purchase and donation. Many of the works were shown for the first time, providing audiences with the opportunity to experience a dynamic selection of recent Australian art. With a focus on painting and drawing, the exhibition included work by established artists and those in the earlier stages of their careers, many of whom have previously participated in exhibitions at the Potter.
The exhibition borrowed its title from a 1973 painting by senior Berlin-born Sydney-based artist Gunter Christmann. This work marks an important stage in Christmann's career as it is among his last truly abstract paintings. In 2009, Gunter Christmann was part of the Potter group exhibition Song of Sirens, showing alongside artists from later generations. At that time, Christmann commented that his enduring interest lies in a style and look of painting that is 'from edge to edge a whole completeness'.
Through the acquisition of important works such as Christmann's Heat in the Eyes, the Potter is better able to reflect upon and demonstrate the journey of a specific artist's career, while also making important connections between the work of artists from within and across generations. We are indebted to our benefactors for their generous support of the University of Melbourne Art Collection.
Curated by Bala Starr.
Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack, Untitled 1963, watercolour and ink. The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Gift of Dr Barrie and Ms Diana Pittock, 2011, in memory of Mrs Olive Hirschfeld. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program. ©Courtesy the estate of the artist.