Keeping Place painting by Digby Moran - photo by Elaine Syron
SOS – Save the Keeping Place Collection
The only collection of traditional and contemporary Indigenous Australian art assembled and curated by an Indigenous artist is in danger of being torn apart and dismantled. Arts Law clients Gordon and Elaine Syron have spent a lifetime and much personal sacrifice collecting hundreds of works, often supporting young unknown artists who have later found artistic success. Their collection contains works by Clifford Possum, Emily Kngwarreye, Cecil Bowden, Bronwyn Bancroft, well as, of course, works by Gordon himself including his confrontational and iconic "Judgment by his peers".With more than 1,400 paintings, 200 artefacts and sculptures from over 500 Aboriginal artists, the Collection is an extraordinary representation of Australian Aboriginal art. It also contains Elaine Peyot-Syron's photographic archive of more than 50,000 photographs recording the Aboriginal story of the last 30 years.
Gordon and Elaine could easily simply put up the Collection for auction in individual lots to the highest bidder in order to cover their mounting debts and avoid the threat of repossession of their Magnetic Island home by the bank. However this would mean abandoning their dream of the Collection being preserved for the future for all Australians. And Gordon and Elaine are fighters who seldom take the easy solution when to do so would be a compromise.
This is their vision –
· A home for the Collection by the establishment of a National Aboriginal Keeping Place or Cultural Centre in Australia that celebrates Indigenous survival and provides a space for the contemporary expression of contemporary Aboriginal culture and heritage.
· Sale of the Collection to form the foundation of the Cultural Centre at a price of approximately $1.5 million which is substantially below the current valuation – but is a price which will enable Gordon and Elaine to keep their home.
· A space where Aboriginal and non Aboriginal communities can learn about the diversity and vibrancy of Aboriginal cultures.
· A cultural space that focuses on showcasing contemporary Aboriginal culture and also provides an opportunity for economic development by creating a place where Aboriginal artists can sell their art to the public.
But time is running out – the Collection is in imminent danger of destruction as Gordon and Elaine can no longer afford to house or maintain it. If you know anyone who might be able to assist in finding a home for the Keeping Place, please contact Elaine urgently elainesyron@hotmail.com