Opening of first major survey of artist Robert Juniper's work

10/9/99
Arts Minister Peter Foss opened the first major survey of Robert Juniper's work at the Art Gallery of Western Australia today.
The exhibition spans Juniper's 50-year career, with over three quarters of the works not seen in public for decades.
Robert Juniper has enjoyed a successful and prolific career, exhibiting continuously since the 1950s. However, this is the first time audiences will have the opportunity to see works from all phases of his career.
"Robert Juniper is undoubtedly one of WA's best known artists - one of the few artists in the State who is a household name," Mr Foss said.
"He is also held in great esteem nationally.
"There are permanent reminders of Robert Juniper's influence all over our city. He has produced public murals, sculptures, set designs and stained glass windows. His public commissions range from stained glass windows in Forrest Chase in Perth to the Government Crest on the Federal Court building in Victoria Avenue. His sets for Black Swan Theatre added to the special character of their productions.
"His highly symbolic and lyrical works have presented new perspectives that have changed the way we see WA - from Perth to Darlington to the Goldfields, the Pilbara and Broome.
"He has made a significant contribution to the WA community and his work has been an important part of the evolution of the State's culture.
"There can be no doubt that Robert Juniper's achievements have left an indelible impression on contemporary Australian art, evoking the WA landscape with a unique richness of texture and design which extends beyond the canvas."
Mr Foss honoured Robert Juniper as one of WA's Living Treasures in October, 1998 for his outstanding contribution to the visual arts, his achievement as a painter, sculptor, designer and educator and for his outstanding generosity to other artists.
The exhibition runs from September 11 - November 21.
Free admission.
10.00am - 5.00pm daily.
Media contact: Chris Morris 9321 2222