Sunday, September 6, 2015

Upset artist sees artworks withdrawn



THREE ceramic works have been withdrawn at the artist's request from the Growth Change Influence: the University of Tasmania 125-year anniversary exhibition, which is on show at Launceston's Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Park. 
The works by Michael Murrell were removed from display on Monday. 

Murrell's request was the result of frustration and disappointment at having not received an invitation to attend the official opening of the exhibition on August 1. 

Murrell personally approached Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten about what from his viewpoint was a major oversight given the long connection he had had with each of the institutions involved. 

He has also been in communication with QVMAG director Richard Mulvaney and the university's gallery curator Malcom Bywaters. 

Each of these people have conveyed by letter that it was "an honest mistake" that Murrell's name did not appear on the guest list. 

Murrell's frustration comes from what he maintains is a general shifting of blame. 

 "Someone needs to take responsibility for this, instead of shifting the blame, because there's at least four invitation lists connected to this exhibition that should have and could have included me," he said. 

Mr Mulvaney said the request to remove Murrell's work had been regrettable. 

"It is always regrettable when works are withdrawn from an exhibition."  

"This exhibition covers an important history of art in Tasmania that spans 125 years, that makes it particularly significant, and while it cannot cover everyone who has contributed, those who have works on show were chosen for pertinent reasons." 

Previously Mr Murrell has donated works, his own as well as pieces by other significant Tasmanian artists including Bea Maddock and Les Blakeborough, to the permanent collection of the QVMAG.

Growth Change Influence continues at the QVMAG until November. Entry is free.



FROM FACEbook ...  Its time that PUBLIC institutions got their act together! It is no longer the case that 'artists' have to take what's dealt out to them by them. Like, having their work used without reference to their MORAL RIGHTS, like expecting them to "donate" their work, skills and knowledge on the strength that "it good for their reputation". Accountability is very often a foreign concept!

Social Media will increasingly hold these institutions to ACCOUNT and for many its not before time.
ARTISTS CAN STRIKE BACK
SEE FACEbook

No comments: