Australian art patrons release collection to auction market

Tom and Sylvia Lowenstein are about to auction more than 250 paintings, works on paper and sculptures valued at $2 million as their firm Lowenstein’s Arts Management prepares for a new era.

The couple occupy a unique position in the Australian art world as patrons, collectors and close confidantes to many Australian artists and, through these relationships, have created a collection that represents the very best of modern and contemporary art.

Founded by Tom more than 40 years ago, Lowenstein’s Arts Management advises and manages the accounts of over 3000 artists, writers and musicians.

He is now preparing to hand over the company reins to his business partners, son Evan and Adam Micmacher.

In order that Lowenstein’s can support the next generation of Australian artists and continue collecting, the company has decided to sell 255 works from its corporate collection.

Mossgreen will auction these works from 6pm on Tuesday March 7 at 926-9830 High Street, Armadale.

Leading the auction is John Olsen’s Rabbit Warren, Rydal 1997 with a catalogue estimate of $120,000-$150,000.

Painted on his property in New South Wales Central Tablelands, the painting displays all the characteristics of Olsen’s best works – as, using distinctive playful brushstrokes and an earthy, ochre red palette, he captures from above the raw beauty of the Australian landscape.

Charles Blackman’s Women Lovers 1980 (which has caused quite a stir on Facebook) is another major highlight.

It was painted at a time of personal happiness and critical acclaim for the artist and the sensuous work reflects his love of beauty – depicting a scene of youthful innocence as two women embrace in sleep alongside their companion black cat.

Garry Shead is another prominent artist in the collection and the auction features two of his works – Thirroul Morning 1994, from his well known D.H. Lawrence series, and The Measuring Artist 2003, attribute to his wife and muse Judith.

The auction also includes works by Arthur Boyd, Margaret Olley, Tim Storrier, Rick Amor, Robert Klippel, Ben Quilty, Akio Makigawa, John Coburn and Freddie Timms.

According to Mossgreen chief executive officer Paul Sumner, the Lowenstein collection is a remarkable and personal one, overflowing with stories of the artists’ connection to Tom and Sylvia.

“The collection is a snapshot of an artistic era seen through the eyes of one of the most influential and best loved couples in the Australian art scene of recent decades,” he said.