Philanthropic donations fund painting purchases

Published on 29 October 2024

Pictured:
John Honeywill (b. 1952),Cupola2023, oil on linen, 92 x 92 cm. Philip Bacon Galleries. (detail)

Six new paintings worth a total of $133,500 will become part Rockhampton Museum of Art’s (RMOA) nationally recognised collection after Rockhampton Regional Council approved the purchase of the works at its meeting today (Tuesday 29 October 2024).The acquisitions will be funded entirely by philanthropic donations.

Created by some of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, the paintings were selected for purchase from entries in this year’s The Gold Award, the richest painting prize in Queensland.

26 works by eight leading contemporary Australian artists were entered in the competition which was won by Rosella Namok for her work Old Gals Yarnin’ I-III.

The winning work was acquired by RMOA through the Moya Gold bequest which provides $50,000 prize money for the winning entry. The remaining 25 entries were considered for purchase.

The six works were selected by RMOA Collection Advisory Group lead by Director Jonathan McBurnie and included the Highly Commended painting The sun never sets; so we daydream by Ryan Presley.

The majority of funds for the purchases were provided by the 2024 Gold Patrons with support from RMOA’s gift fund. The Gold Patron campaign is run in conjunction with each Gold Award to raise funds to further grow and keep contemporary the RMOA collection. Gold Patron 2026 will be open for donors in the near future.

Rockhampton Regional Council Communities, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Cr Drew Wickerson said:

“The biennial Gold Award presents a great opportunity for us to enhance and expand Rockhampton’s nationally significant art collection,” Cr Wickerson said.

“I would like to thank the 2024 Gold Patrons for their generous contribution to the cultural treasures of our city, building the RMOA Collection into one of the most envied in Australia,” he said.

Rockhampton Museum of Art Philanthropy Board Chair Dr Leonie Gray said: “The greatest joy of being a Gold Award patron is knowing that you are part of the rich tapestry of philanthropy that has shaped and will continue to shape and grow the Rockhampton Museum of Art collection; a collection that will be enjoyed and treasured by the community now and for generations to come.”

Purchased paintings:

Pat Hoffie (b. 1953), The Strip (Bird-Man and Pinioned Dove-Woman) 2024, oil on canvas, 208 x 206 cm. Fireworks Gallery.

John Honeywill (b. 1952), Cupola 2023, oil on linen, 92 x 92 cm. Philip Bacon Galleries.

Jumaadi (b. 1973), Bedol Deso {The Migration of Love and Rice) 2024, synthetic polymer paint on cotton cloth primed with rice paste, 150 x 180 cm. King Street Gallery on William.

Tjungkara Ken, Pitjantjatjara (b. 1969) Seven Sisters (477-23) 2023, acrylic on linen, 197 x 198 cm. Jan Murphy Gallery.

Ryan Presley, Marri Ngarr (b. 1987), The sun never sets; so we daydream /2024, oil and 23k gold leaf on polyester, 187 x 153 cm. Milani Gallery.

Gareth Samson, Abstract Painting with Mound 2023, oil and enamel on linen, 152.4cm W 122cm. Milani Gallery.

Rockhampton Museum of Art is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council. The Gold Award is an initiative of Rockhampton Museum of Art and the RMOA Philanthropy Group.