Two Sisters, A Singular Vision Celebrating the Gifts of Margaret and Cathryn Mittelheuser
Kunmanara Kawiny (Artist), Pitjantjatjarra people, Australia c.1921 2013 / Mona Mitakikil Shepherd (Collaborating artist), Pitjantjatjarra people, Australia b.1954 / Tjimpayie Prestley (Collaborating artist), Pitjantjatjarra people, Australia b.1967 / Seven sisters 2011 / Synthetic polymer paint on linen / Purchased 2012 with funds from Margaret Mittelheuser, AM, and Cathryn Mittelheuser, AM, through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery / © The artists / View full image
When
18 Jul 2020 – 31 Jan 2021
Where
Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery 14
About
‘Two Sisters, A Singular Vision’ celebrates the sustained and generous patronage by Margaret Mittelheuser AM (1931-2013) and Cathryn Mittelheuser AM. Their support began in 1985, and this exhibition features a selection from their enduring legacy of over 100 works. Though they have supported the acquisition of key works across many areas of the Collection, the Gallery’s holdings of Indigenous Australian Art, particularly works by female artists, have benefitted most significantly through their gifts.
As pioneers in the male-dominated fields of stockbroking and science, the Mittelheuser sisters’ early professional experiences mirrored those of many women of that era. With their naturally progressive attitudes they were quick to challenge expectations that implied they weren’t on equal terms with male employees, and encouraged other women to succeed by ignoring distractions and hindrances.
With this exhibition and accompanying catalogue we honour Margaret and Cathryn Mittelheuser as true friends of art and artists, and for their quietly consistent support of QAGOMA, immeasurably enriching Queensland’s cultural life through their generosity.