JUSTUS JORGENSEN - RETROSPECTIVE IN THE GALLERY OF THE GREAT HALL
Curated by Sigmund Jorgensen
“The paintings in this show are all drawn from the Montsalvat collection which consists of over 3,000 paintings and drawings by Justus Jorgensen.
The exhibition largely concentrates on the still life. The paintings trace Jorgensen’s development as a painter from his Meldrum period through to his infatuation with the Impressionists, especially Cezanne.
Most of the paintings on show are quick sketches, impressions, in colour. They illustrate Jorgensen’s deft use of the brush where he creates his images with the minimum number of strokes and a limited palette of colour.
The subject matter is always quite simple, from a bowl of fruit to a pair of old boots, and in each he captures the essence.
The majority of work was completed at Montsalvat from 1934 through to 1975 - a period of intense creativity for Justus Jorgensen. Not only was he painting but also he was developing the architecture and building Montsalvat during the day, and in the evenings he was teaching at the art school he founded in Melbourne and later in Belgrave where he further developed Meldrum’s teaching ideas.
Montsalvat and Jorgensen’s city studio in Queen Street were important to the intellectual life of Melbourne where students, academics, professionals, and business people would gather to discuss matters of import in a free and easy way. Jorgensen encouraged his friends and students to discuss the latest trends in philosophy, literature, politics, religion and art, as well as their personal problems and thoughts in a way which was rather uncommon in conventional Australia at the time.”
Sigmund Jorgensen
August 2007
WHERE | Great Hall Gallery
WHEN | 1st January to 5th June
Still life with boots, Justus Jorgensen, oil on gauze on ply with wood support, 61.5 x 50.7cm, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
Still life study of bottles and fruit, Justus Jorgensen, oil on canvas, 44.5 x 62cm, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
Still life study of bed, Justus Jorgensen, oil on gauze on ply with wood support, 76.2 x 60cm, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
Portrait of a cow, Justus Jorgensen, oil on gauze on ply with wood support, 57 x 70cm, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
Interior with chair and drawers, Justus Jorgensen, oil on gauze on ply with wood support, 60.7 x 81.5cm, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
Landscape, Montsalvat, Justus Jorgensen, oil on gauze on ply with wood support, 45.5 x 60.5cm, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
MATCHAM SKIPPER
1921-2011
SCULPTOR, METALSMITH & JEWELLER
Matcham Skipper was a passionate artist, sculptor and jeweller. Whilst living at Montsalvat, Matcham mastered a variety of different materials including clay, stone, glass, wood and metal casting as well as found objects. Matcham’s artistic ability earned him the reputation as a genius; a modern-day renaissance man. Matcham’s talent also made him a favourite of the colony’s founder, Justus Jörgensen.
Montsalvat’s art collection features fine examples of decorative silver and bronze forms by Matcham dating from the 1960s – 1980s. The sculptures, medallions, belt buckles and plaques on display highlight the different subject matter Matcham explored in his work. Whether the human figure, mythology or nature, Matcham created unique pieces for thousands of collectors across Australia and internationally.
Angel Tempting the Devil, Matcham Skipper, bronze plaque, 6.1 x 3.7cm, Matcham Skipper Collection, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
Wilderness, Matcham Skipper, bronze plaque, 7.9 x 6.2cm, Matcham Skipper Collection, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
Diana and the Hounds, Matcham Skipper, bronze belt buckle, 4.8 x 6.8cm, Matcham Skipper Collection, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
The Model, Matcham Skipper, bronze medallion, 9 x 6cm, Matcham Skipper Collection, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
Tyger, Tiger, Burning Bright, Matcham Skipper, bronze plaque, 7.8 x 6.1cm, Matcham Skipper Collection, Montsalvat Permanent Collection
The Bathers, Matcham Skipper, bronze plaque, 7.8 x 6.3cm, Matcham Skipper Collection, Montsalvat Permanent Collection