The Collection of Michael Hobbs OAM Fundraising Auction 2019

The late Michael Hobbs’ family have generously donated works from his extensive collection for auction to support Artspace and Firstdraft. As one of Artspace’s earliest founding directors and benefactors, and a strong supporter of Firstdraft, Michael’s love for Australian art was unwavering throughout his life. He was a great supporter of the careers of many Australian artists, often providing critical support early on. We are delighted to celebrate his passion and ongoing legacy with this event. 

The collection is a cross section of Michael’s diverse collecting sensibility, including modernist and contemporary works by Australian artists from Alex Seton, Susan Norrie and Koji Ryui, to Peter Kingston, Fred Williams and Kerrie Lester, as well as international artists such as Katharina Grosse, Joseph Beuys and Craigie Aitchison.

Michael’s children Andrew, Neil, Christopher and Katharine have expressed of their father’s outlook:

His collection was an investment in people and life. The person behind the work was always more important than the work. What mattered was supporting the artist and sharing the work with as many people as possible. It’s one of the reasons he was such a prolific benefactor of galleries across New South Wales. We intend to do the same in his honour.

All proceeds will go equally to supporting the ambitious artistic programs at Artspace and Firstdraft.

COLLECTION VIEWING
The collection will be on view at Artspace from 1–9 March, from 12-5pm daily.

ONLINE AUCTION
Please see full catalogue HERE

LIVE AUCTION
Live auction of selected works at Artspace on Saturday, 9 March, 4–6pm.

Artworks from: Alex Seton, Katharina Grosse, Narelle Jubelin, Peter Powditch, Mabel Juli, Camie Lyons, Marley Dawson, Joseph Beuys, Fred Williams, Garry Shead, John Firth-Smith, Linda Marrinon, Koji Ryui, Jumaadi, Craigie Atchison and Susan Norrie.