Mortimer Menpes, Britain/Australia, 1855–1938, Reading, c.1898–99, London, drypoint, printed in coloured inks on paper, 21.8 x 26.4 cm (plate), Private collection, England
The Art Gallery of South Australia will stage two retrospectives from 14 June 2014 that will celebrate the life work of two influential, Adelaide-born artists – Dorrit Black and Mortimer Menpes.
Dorrit Black was one of the most important Australian modernists, advancing and promoting the cause of modern art in Australia through her practice, advocacy and teaching. Dorrit Black: Unseen Forces is the largest retrospective ever staged of the artist’s work and is the first exhibition in nearly forty years to reassess Black’s contribution to the story of Australian art.
Mortimer Menpes was South Australia’s first artist to have a successful international career. He was born in Port Adelaide and moved to London in 1875. The first retrospective of the artist’s work ever held, The World of Mortimer Menpes: painter, etcher, raconteur, features over 250 works of art including paintings, prints and a never before seen sketchbook.
Staged side by side, The World of Mortimer Menpes: painter, etcher, raconteur and Dorrit Black: Unseen Forces reveal the pioneering role that each artist played, albeit in different circles and at different times. Both artists were both painters and printmakers who shared a common desire to travel the world to develop their careers in art. Although a generation apart they both shared a love of recording the ordinary and natural world.
The two retrospectives will run from Saturday 14 June to Sunday 7 September 2014 at the Art Gallery of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide. Entry is free.
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