David Walker: Anatomy of the object

27 June - 18 October 2009

David Walker

Bird of prey (neckpiece) 

1979

sterling silver, 9ct gold, stainless steel

21.5 x 12.8cm (extended length laid flat)

State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia

Purchased 1979

David Walker: Anatomy of the object traces the artist’s past and current practice and, as such, will include works from his student days to new works made specifically for this exhibition.  Initially trained in silversmithing, ceramics and industrial design in Manchester, England, Walker turned to jewellery making after arriving in Perth in 1964, and made an immediate and enduring impact on the local, and later national and international, craft and design fields as artist, craftsman, educator and mentor.

His works are imbued with richly evocative narratives derived from the Australian climate and environment, and reveal a profound fascination with the skeletal form as a vehicle for spatial and structural explorations.  Works from the State Art Collection, private lenders and public institutions, as well key material from the artist’s personal collection, will be included to illustrate Walker’s abiding commitment to find forms of expression that articulate his unique response to being in, and living within, Australia.

Public Programs

Saturday 25 July, 10am-4pm (FULLY BOOKED)

David Walker Jewellery Workshop

Cost $35, bookings required. Call 9492 6640 or

email: public.programs@artgallery.wa.gov.au

Sunday 26 July, 2pm

Artist Talk: Jeweller and Artist David Walker

FREE

Saturday 1 August, 10am-4pm (FULLY BOOKED)

David Walker Jeweller Workshop 2

Cost $35, bookings essential

Call 9492 6640 or email: public.programs@artgallery.wa.gov.au

Public Tours

Wesfarmers Arts Walk-in tours - Artist in Focus David Walker during July 2009... more