Australian Aboriginal and contemporary art collection an auction crowd pleaser

Australian artist Richard Larter’s (1929-2014) colourful abstracts have always been a favourite for pop art collectors and auction goers will have the opportunity to view and bid for his works at Deutscher and Hackett’s timed online Aboriginal and Contemporary Art auction finishing from 7pm Tuesday December 13 at 105 Commercial Road, South Yarra.

His paintings are part of Sydney couple Colin and Elizabeth Laverty's collection which includes sculptures and ceramics from the 1960s to now, embracing contemporary artists works from each decade and recognised as one of the most important private collections outside national and state collecting institutions.

Larter has several paintings in the collection including Time, Purpose and Formalism Nos 1, 2 and 3: The Battle for the Pagodas, 1966 (lot 17) which carries the highest catalogue estimate for the auction of $16,000-$20,000.

His other auction works are Centre Light Set (Marilyn Monroe), 1970 (lot 5) and The Tinkling Eye of K. Marx No.2, 1966 (lot 8).

English-born Peter Booth, who migrated to Australia in 1958 and is regarded as a unique voice in Australian art for his vivid imaginings of an apocalyptic world, is another artist who features in the collection with the eye catching Untitled (Pink Orange Landscape with Symbols), 1984 (lot 2) and Tiered Landscape with Blue Lake, 1977 (lot 16).

Melbourne artist Louise Hearman, who has exhibited at the National Gallery of Australia, also has several paintings including Untitled #481, 1996 (lot 4), Untitled #1157, 2005 (lot 1) and Untitled #999, 2003 (lot 13).

Known for her abstract paintings, collages, drawings and prints, Romanian-born Australian artist Aida Tomescu, who has won several leading art prizes is featured with Unu 1, 1997 (lot 6) and Paroi, 2007 (lot 7).

Another is figurative expressionist William Robinson, considered one of Australia’s foremost living artists recognised for his unique interpretations of Australian landscapes and whimsical portraits of narrative scenes.

Grandpop and Children Pot, 1997 (lot 10) and Town and Country, 1993 (lot 9) are typical of his creative genius.

Gwynn Hanssen Pigott (1935-2013) was an Australian ceramic artist recognised as a significant contemporary, has Bronze Still Life, 1998 (lot 12) in the auction – while New Zealand-born Michael Stevenson’s International, 1992 (lot 15) is an intriguing work. Known for his large-scale sculptural installations, Stevenson’s practice also encompasses other media including film, printmaking and book publishing.

Among the Aboriginal art on offer is Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori’s Rockcod Story Place, 2006 (lot 28) and Paddy Japaljarri Sims (1917-2010) and Paddy Japaljarri Stewart’s (c1940-2013) Yuendumu Doors Suite – Thirty Works, 2001 (lot 47).