Australian Symbolic Figures at The Ian Potter Museum of Art
Submitted by: Kara Cutajar
A major mural painted in 1940 by one of Australia’s finest mural artists, Napier Waller, is featured in the Highlights of the University of Melbourne Art Collection exhibition at the Potter Museum on until the 27 November 2011.
The mural, Australian Symbolic Figures, in two large panels, depicts the development of Australia’s industry from the early colonial period, with heroic portraits of key figures from John Macarthur and Francis Greenaway to the modern business executives of the day. It was commissioned by the Royal Insurance Company, for its Head Office at 414 Collins Street which was demolished in the early 1960s.
This is the mural’s first public display since undergoing an extensive conservation program.
Acting Director of the Ian Potter Museum of Art, Christopher Menz, says “Waller is unquestionably one of Australia’s most important muralists and stained glass artists.
“He was extensively commissioned throughout Australia and his works are held in a number of State and National collections, as well as in buildings such as the National War Memorial in Canberra, the University of Western Australia, and Newspaper House in Melbourne.
“This ubiquitous presence of his work in public domain in our cities has led to a resurgence of interest in his work in recent years.
“Waller’s readily accessible figurative work reflects the rise of national progress and Australian commerce emerging from the Great Depression, celebrating national endeavours, rural and industrial commerce, construction and architecture. Waller glorifies work, using a medium and representation which immediately connects to its audiences,” Mr Menz said.
Waller’s celebrated Melbourne work can be seen in mosaics in Collins Street and in the Myer Mural Hall and his finest stained glass window, The Leckie window, which is a permanent and much loved fixture at the Potter Museum.
Christopher Menz will give a free lunchtime talk on Waller’s Australian Symbolic Figures at 1pm on Tuesday 8 November 2011.
Artwork: Napier Waller, Australian symbolic figures (detail), c. 1940 oil on plaster on canvas, The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Gift of the Royal Insurance Company 1965
