Utzon's Opera House

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Australian artists inspired by Sydney’s architectural icon

22 NOVEMBER - 19 JANUARY

Presented in association with Sydney Opera House

40th ANNIVERSARY OF JØRN UTZON’S OPERA HOUSE ADRIAN CARTER - Architect MAA

It was through working with his father Aage Utzon on the design and actual building of sailing boats, that Jørn Utzon gained his first and most significant experience of making, quite complex forms. It is this background, that allowed him to propose the remarkable boat-like forms of the Opera House, quite unlike anything else submitted for the competition.

It was also Utzon’s vision, alone among all the competitors that recognised that this unique site at Bennelong Point needed to be understood in terms of its surrounding landscape and that being visible from many surrounding vantage points required a sculptural solution with regards its “fifth facade”.

Having not visited Sydney, it was through his skilled reading of topographic maritime charts that Utzon was able to appreciate the particular morphology of the Sydney harbour basin, with its characteristicheadlands, which he emulated in the forming of the podium. Thus the podium, with its origins in the ancient architectural idea of the raised platforms that Utzon had experienced at the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itzá, Monte Albán and Uxmal in Mexico, becomes in Sydney a continuation and evocation of the local natural terrain, developing further Alvar Aalto’s (with whom Utzon worked briefly) notions of building as artificial landscape. This can be seen in the original section drawings of the Opera House, which show the podium shaded as a continuous landform running back through the Botanic Gardens The Sydney Opera House is now perhaps the world’s most iconic building and has inspired so many, often desperate, visually orientated attempts to copy its success since. However Utzon’s own approach to the design was developed on the basis of the intended human experience of using the building, rather than mere image. The area in front of the podium steps provides a huge plaza for public gatherings and events, as Richard Weston has suggested it is possibly the greatest public space created in the 20th century. According to Utzon’s mentor Professor Steen Eiler Rasmussen “The architect is a sort of theatrical producer, who plans the setting for our lives.” For Utzon the grand stairs of the podium are intended to provide an almost sacral sense of rising above the humdrum everyday world, in the process providing a grand panorama of the harbour prior to entering the dramatic cavernous interior for the actual performance, having been sublimely prepared for a profound experience.

Part of the sacred experience of the building is the timeless, almost archaic experience of the podium incorporating the amphitheatres, enclosed within the cathedral-like arches of the roof shells. As Richard Leplastrier said, during its construction “you could not really tell if it was coming up or coming down,” it had such a powerful presence like an ancient ruin.

Seemingly floating above the podium, the Sydney Opera House’s signature sail-like roof shells were expressed by Utzon in his conceptual sketches as being like clouds hovering above the sea, both as experienced in nature and as evoked in ancient Chinese and Japanese temple roofs floating above a stone base. While the choice of ceramic tiles to accentuate the sculptural character of the shells, which earned the Opera House the earlier nickname “The Other Taj Mahal”, owes its inspiration to one of Utzon’s favourite buildings, the Great Mosque in Isfahan, Iran and the central space between the halls, was intended to be publicly used like the bazaar in Isfahan.

That the Sydney Opera House has come to symbolise not only a city, but also the entire nation, is I feel due to its highly original and innovative synthesis of many diverse and not only Western cultural influences, in specific relation to its context. It has served to define a break with colonialisation and the emergence of a self-confident and dynamic multi-cultural society. According to the architectural historian Kenneth Frampton, Utzon’s work is, “Comparable in subtle ways to the protean achievements of Le Corbusier, Utzon’s architecture emerges today as paradigmatic at many levels not least of which is the manner in which from the beginning of his career, he would totally repudiate the assumed superiority of Eurocentric culture” Utzon’s architecture also demonstrates a profound poetic understanding of world culture combined with the benefits of universal modern building technology. An architecture that eschews kitsch historicism and the superficiality of ubiquitous universal civilization, but rather emphasizes the authentic use of materials and clarity of construction. Which is why it is an enduring and ever increasingly appreciated work of great architecture.

Utzon personally always distanced himself from theoretical interpretations of architecture. He had no need of theories to validate his approach to design, rather he had a thirst for universal knowledge and sought out inspiration in that which he experienced in the wider world around him, in a dynamic on-going process that constantly re-informed his work. Utzon’s dedicated explorations and refining of significant universal themes in architecture provides an enormous resource for architects in the future.

His timeless organic approach to design, rather than historic style also ensures his continued relevance.

While the humanity of his artistic vision and sensitivity to place combined with a contemporary use of technology to achieve these aims, provides a source of inspiration for imaginative, humane and meaningful architecture in the future.

THE EXHIBITION

LLOYD REES b. 1895 Yeronga, Qld - d. 1988 Hobart, Tas September Sun, Sydney Cove 1980 oil on canvas 136 x 182 cm Janet Holmes à Court Collection ©Alan Rees

LLOYD REES The fading dream, the Opera House 1980 oil on canvas 120 x120cm Rebel Penfold-Russell OAM Collection ŠAlan Rees

BRETT WHITELEY b. 1939 Longueville, NSW - d. 1992 Thirroul, NSW Sydney Harbour in the rain 1976-77 oil, charcoal, pen, pencil and plaster on plywood and oil on glass 199 x 117.8 cm Gift of Eva Besen AO and Marc Besen AO 2001, TarraWarra Museum of Art Collection Š Wendy Whiteley

BRETT WHITELEY Portrait of Patrick White at Centennial Park 1979-80 oil, collage on canvas on board 177 x 207.5 cm NSW Parliament Collection

KEVIN CONNOR b. 1932 Sydney, NSW Circular Quay 2009 oil on canvas 242 x 303 cm Collection of James and Jacqui Erskine

MARGARET OLLEY b. 1923 Lismore, NSW - d. 2011 Paddington, NSW Opera House from The Rocks 2009-11 oil on board 45.9 x 76.1 cm Courtesy Philip Bacon Galleries, Brisbane

PETER KINGSTON b. 1943 Sydney, NSW Full Moon, High Tide (Big, black Opera House) 2008 oil on canvas 183 x 233 cm Stephen Morris and Margie Sullivan Collection

NOEL MCKENNA b. 1956 Brisbane, Qld Where the bloody hell are we? 2008 oil & acrylic on plywood 30 x 37 cm Courtesy of the artist and Darren Knight Gallery, Sydney

KEN DONE b. 1940 Sydney, NSW Night Bridge and Opera House 2004 oil & acrylic on canvas 153 x 120 cm Courtesy of Ken Done Gallery, Sydney

KEN DONE Sydney striped Opera House 2013 acrylic on canvas 182 x 153 cm Courtesy of Ken Done Gallery, Sydney

ERIC THAKE b. 1904 Auburn, Vic- d. 1982 Geelong, Vic An Opera House in every home 1972 linocut, printed in black ink on white cartridge paper folded as card 13.7 x 21.2 cm Collection: Art Gallery of New South Wales Gift of Hal Missingham 1973

REW HANKS b. 1958 Sydney NSW Eternity 2006 coloured linocut 28 x 38 cm Collection of the artist

BRUCE GOOLD b. 1948 Newcastle, NSW Bennelong 2012 print 57 x 47 cm Courtesy of the artist and Australian Galleries, Sydney Maestro 2012 print 57 x 47 cm Courtesy of the artist and Australian Galleries, Sydney Mdme Utzon 2012 print 57 x 47 cm Courtesy of the artist and Australian Galleries, Sydney

GLEN FARMER ILLORTAMINNI b. 1971 Milikapiti, Melville Island, NT Tiwi people Sydney Harbour Bridge II 2006 etching, aquatint with chine colle edition of 40 dimension Collaborator: Leon Stainer Printer: Jacinta Numina-Waugh Publisher: Jilamara / Nothern Edition Courtesy of Northern Editions, Darwin

CHRIS O'DOHERTY aka REG MOMBASSA b. 1951 Auckland, New Zealand View of the City from Taronga Park Zoo 2006 charcoal, colour pencil on paper 35 x 23.5 cm Private Collection

LIST OF WORKS

LIST OF WORKS unknown artist Portrait of Bennilong, (Bennelong) date unknown hand coloured engraving 21.2 x 16.5 cm Collection of the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales LLOYD REES b. 1895 Yeronga, Qld - d. 1988 Hobart, Tas September Sun, Sydney Cove 1980 oil on canvas 136 x 182 cm Janet Holmes à Court Collection The fading dream, the Opera House 1980 oil on canvas 120 x120cm Rebel Penfold-Russell OAM Collection Tribute to Jørn Utzon 1988 lithograph, transfer paper to aluminium plate 51 x 34 cm Private Collection WILLIAM DOBELL b. 1899 Newcastle, NSW- d. 1970 Wangi Wangi, NSW The Opera House c. 1968 brush and ink wash 17.2 x 22.7 cm Collection: Art Gallery of New South Wales Purchased 1973 (Opera House) (Late Sydney Period) c. 1970s pen and ink 22.6 x 16.3 cm Collection: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Gift of the Trustees of the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation 1990 (Opera House with city skyline) (Late Sydney Period) c. 1970s pencil 20.4 x 25.3 cm Collection: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Gift of the Trustees of the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation 1990 ERIC THAKE b. 1904 Auburn, Vic- d. 1982 Geelong, Vic An Opera House in every home 1972 linocut, printed in black ink on white cartridge paper folded as card 13.7 x 21.2 cm Collection: Art Gallery of New South Wales Gift of Hal Missingham 1973

JØRN UTZON b. 1918 Copenhagen, Denmark - d. 2008 Copenhagen, Denmark Sydney Opera House collection 1958-1966 pencil on paper 31 x 44 cm Collection of the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales Sydney Opera House wooden (working) model minor hall ceiling elevation c. 1962 wooden model in section with protruding metal points on side 33.5 x 20.5 x 13-18 cm Collection of the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales Sydney Opera House wooden (working) model minor hall and stage tower c. 1963-65 wooden model in 4 sections 31.5 x 34 x 41.5 cm Collection of the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales MARGARET OLLEY b. 1923 Lismore, NSW - d. 2011 Paddington, NSW Opera House from The Rocks 2009-11 oil on board 45.9 x 76.1 cm Courtesy Philip Bacon Galleries, Brisbane JOHN COBURN b. 1925 Ingham, Qld - d. 2006 Sydney, NSW Curtain of the Moon, Sydney Opera House c.1970 silkscreen print 44.7 x 69.3cm Private Collection Curtain of the Sun, Sydney Opera House c.1970 silkscreen print 44.7 x 69.3cm Private Collection Sun and Sydney Opera House 1993 silkscreen print 66.8 x 50 cm Courtesy of Eva Breuer Art Dealer, Sydney JOHN OLSEN b. 1928 Newcastle, NSW Seaport of Desire 2002 etching 43 x 59 cm Collection: Manly Art Gallery & Museum

The Ship Arrives 2002 etching 43 x 59 cm Collection: Manly Art Gallery & Museum Foggy Morning 2002 etching 43 x 59 cm Collection: Manly Art Gallery & Museum Opera House 2003 etching 43 x 59 cm Collection: Manly Art Gallery & Museum ESME TIMBERY b. 1931 Hill 60, Port Kembla, NSW Bidjigal people Sydney Opera House 2006 assemblage, plywood, synthetic fabric, glitter, shells (various), PVA glue & flour 53 x 16 x 20 cm Private Collection KEVIN CONNOR b. 1932 Sydney, NSW Circular Quay 2009 oil on canvas 242 x 303 cm Collection of James and Jacqui Erskine BRETT WHITELEY b. 1939 Longueville, NSW - d. 1992 Thirroul, NSW Sydney Harbour in the rain 1976-77 oil, charcoal, pen, pencil and plaster on plywood and oil on glass 199 x 117.8 cm Gift of Eva Besen AO and Marc Besen AO 2001, TarraWarra Museum of Art Collection Portrait of Patrick White at Centennial Park 1979-80 oil, collage on canvas on board 177 x 207.5 cm NSW Parliament Collection KEN DONE b. 1940 Sydney, NSW Night Bridge and Opera House 2004 oil & acrylic on canvas 153 x 120 cm Courtesy of Ken Done Gallery, Sydney Sydney striped Opera House 2013 acrylic on canvas 182 x 153 cm Courtesy of Ken Done Gallery, Sydney

TANYA CROTHERS b. 1941 Sydney, NSW Opera House 1987 lithograph, edition of 11 44 x 28 cm Private Collection MARTIN SHARP b. 1942 Bellevue Hill, NSW – d.2013 Bellevue Hill, NSW Tiny Tim, Eternal Troubadour at the Sydney Opera House 1982 silkscreen 114 x 87.5 cm Collection of the artist The Sydney Opera House is Ten 1983 silkscreen 68.1 x 51 cm Collection of the artist Design for Christmas Banner for Sydney Council date unknown collage 118 x 166 cm Collection of the artist Oz? 1990 silkscreen 98 x 68 cm Collection of the artist Utzon concept 2013 mixed media dimensions variable Collection of the artist PETER KINGSTON b. 1943 Sydney, NSW Full Moon, High Tide (Big, black Opera House) 2008 oil on canvas 183 x 233 cm Stephen Morris and Margie Sullivan Collection untitled 2008 monotype 60 x 70 cm Collection of the artist untitled 2008 monotype 60 x 70 cm Collection of the artist White Opera House 2013 oil on canvas 130 x 236 cm Collection of the artist

BRUCE GOOLD b. 1948 Newcastle, NSW Bennelong 2012 print 57 x 47 cm Courtesy of the artist and Australian Galleries, Sydney

FAIRLIE KINGSTON b. 1954 Sydney, NSW The Quay Collection 1997 glazed ceramics 25 x 25 cm Collection: Fink Group

Maestro 2012 print 57 x 47 cm Courtesy of the artist and Australian Galleries, Sydney

NOEL MCKENNA b. 1956 Brisbane, Qld Where the bloody hell are we? 2008 oil & acrylic on plywood 30 x 37 cm Courtesy of the artist and Darren Knight Gallery, Sydney

Mdme Utzon 2012 print 57 x 47 cm Courtesy of the artist and Australian Galleries, Sydney BRUCE LATIMER b. 1951 Sydney, NSW Termites 2007 etching 65 x 89 cm New South Wales Teachers Federation CHRIS O'DOHERTY aka REG MOMBASSA b. 1951 Auckland, New Zealand View of the City from Taronga Park Zoo 2006 charcoal, colour pencil on paper 35 x 23.5 cm Private Collection Four star clown with Opera Horse 2006 charcoal, colour pencil on paper 38 x 42 cm Private Collection Australian Jesus delivering presents 2007 charcoal, colour pencil on paper 24 x 31 cm Private Collection TOM CARMENT b. 1954 Sydney, NSW Opera House Steps I 2013 watercolour on paper, 9 sheets 52 x 68 cm Collection of the artist Opera House Steps II 2013 watercolour on paper, 2 sheets 63 x 44 cm Collection of the artist

Sydney, autumnal phase 2008 acrylic on canvas 150 x 180 cm Collection of James and Jacqui Erskine REW HANKS b. 1958 Sydney NSW Eternity 2006 coloured linocut 28 x 38 cm Collection of the artist MICHAEL HERRON b. 1966 Sydney, NSW Opera House 2013 2013 oil on linen 137 x 137 cm Collection of the artist GLEN FARMER ILLORTAMINNI b. 1971 Milikapiti, Melville Island, NT Tiwi people Sydney Harbour Bridge II 2006 etching, aquatint with chine colle edition of 40 dimension Collaborator: Leon Stainer Printer: Jacinta Numina-Waugh Publisher: Jilamara / Nothern Edition Courtesy of Northern Editions, Darwin MIKA UTZON POPOV b. 1971 Copenhagen, Denmark untitled c. 2010 compressed charcoal & acrylic on paper 148 x 117 cm Courtesy of the artist and Australian Galleries, Sydney

* List organised chronologically by artist’s birth year; then by artworks in chronological order.

The inspiration for the exhibition has its genesis in the 2012 exhibition Australian Artists and the Sydney Opera House (curated by Lin Utzon) at the Utzon Center in Denmark which took the work of eight Sydney artists to Aalborg, the birthplace of Jørn Utzon. The exhibition was held between 7 September – 2 December 2012 and included the work of Ken Done, Bruce Goold, Peter Kingston, John Olsen, Lloyd Rees, Martin Sharp, Mika Utzon Popov and Brett Whiteley.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The S.H. Ervin Gallery would like to acknowledge the assistance of the following people and organisations in the presentation of the exhibition: Firstly our sincere thanks to Lin Utzon, curator of the 2012 exhibition Australian Artists and the Sydney Opera House at the Utzon Center, Aalborg, Denmark, for graciously allowing us to expand on her original concept in order to present it in Sydney. Special thanks also to guest co-curator Nick Vickers for his contribution and support of the exhibition from the outset.

We are indebted to the many lenders to the exhibition including Art Gallery of New South Wales, State Library of New South Wales, NSW Parliament, TarraWarra Museum of Art, Janet Holmes à Court collection, Manly Art Gallery & Museum, and to the many private galleries including Australian Galleries, Darren Knight Gallery, Eva Breuer Art Dealer, Watters Gallery, private lenders and exhibiting artists who have generously loaned works for the exhibition.

We are grateful for the support of the Sydney Opera House, in particular its CEO Louise Herron AM, David Watson, Director Commercial Services & Enterprises and Diane Veness, the Opera House’s archivist; our hotel partner The Langham Hotel and Grays Online for supplying wine for the opening evening.

Finally the enthusiasm and support of the artist, Peter Kingston who has championed the exhibition from the very beginning and has been instrumental in securing artists and works for the exhibition.

Project Team Director: Jane Watters Curator: Nick Vickers Assistant Curator: Katy Preston Media & Public Programs: Kathryn Beattie Catalogue Designer: Charlotte Holmes à Court Installation: Chas Glover, Stuart Watters

This catalogue is copyright. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher.

E-Published to accompany the exhibition: Utzon’s Opera House: Australian artists inspired by Sydney’s architectural icon, 22 November 2013 – 19 January 2014.

Opened by Ms Louise Herron AM, CEO, Sydney Opera House on Thursday 21 November 2013.

Published by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) 2013 Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000 © National Trust of Australia (NSW) S.H. Ervin Gallery artworks ©the artists and the artist’s estates or as noted text © Adrian Carter

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