Arthur Boyd 100 centenary birthday celebration– a unique, extraordinary, and generous legacy for all. Arthur Boyd’s big vision.
Arthur Boyd, signed by the artist 1977. Bundanon Trust Archive.
On the 24 July 2020 Bundanon Trust will celebrate the centenary birthday of Arthur Boyd.
To mark the centenary of his birth Arthur Boyd’s grandson Alexander Boyd, pianist and composer, will perform a selection of work including a new piece titled Bride Suite, composed by Alexander to honour his grandfather.
This premiere performance of Bride Suite by Alexander will be streamed on Bundanon Trust’s YouTube, Facebook and website on Friday 24 July, Arthur’s birthday at 8:00pm. Alexander Boyd enjoys an international career as both a soloist and chamber musician.
The centenary of Arthur’s birth arrives at a new milestone in the expansion of Arthur and Yvonne’s ‘big vision’: building has commenced on a world class art gallery, with opening scheduled for the end of 2021.
Kerstin Thompson Architect’s concept design for a contemporary art gallery, accommodation wing and visitor hub will reimagine the breadth of Bundanon’s current offerings, enabling it to realise Boyd’s dream of displaying his artworks in situ. It will also transform the Shoalhaven region.
The dramatic design, with environmental sustainability and landscape preservation at its core, will enhance the arts, educational and tourism potential of Bundanon, enabling more people to stay on site, and further bring economic and cultural activity to the Shoalhaven region. Bundanon Trust is currently fundraising to continue Arthur’s vision to build a new world-class subterranean gallery and learning place.
About Arthur Boyd: Affectionately known as ‘Chook Chooks’ by his family as a child, Arthur was part of a unique artistic family.
Jennifer Thompson, Collections and Exhibitions’ Manager at Bundanon, comments Arthur “was always considered a quiet person by those who met him; however, he used his artwork as a platform to speak very loudly about issues that concerned him. When you look at his art today you can see he had so much to say and his work remains relevant to contemporary audiences.
In 1958 Boyd represented Australia with Arthur Streeton at the Venice Biennale. At the end of 1959, the Boyds moved to London where his work was received with great acclaim. In the 1970’s the Boyds finally made their home at Bundanon, until the property was gifted to the Australian people in 1993.
Arthur and Yvonne Boyd’s gift of Bundanon represents one of the most generous acts of philanthropy in the history of the arts in Australia. It was an audacious gift driven by a big vision. That vision has been built on by subsequent acts of private generosity and government support, creating the vibrant place for artistic enjoyment and learning that thrives today in the Shoalhaven. The Bundanon property is located on 1,100 hectares of bush and park land overlooking the Shoalhaven River, just outside Nowra, on the South Coast of NSW.
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