Image:
Gunter Sylvester CHRISTMANN
Born: Berlin, Germany 1936; Arrived: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1959; Died: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2013
Untitled (inverted space painting) 1978
Oil on canvas
91.4 x 61.2 cm
1995.02
Gift of Mr & Mrs Harrison, 1995
Benalla Art Gallery Collection
© Estate of Gunter Christmann
Benalla Art Gallery Collection
25th Jun 2021 – 20th Feb 2022
Ledger Gallery
Dating back to its establishment in the 19th century, the Benalla Botanical Gardens have significantly shaped the way the local community views and experiences the landscape. Historically, botanical gardens were intended for scientific collection, conservation, research, and display of plant species. The Shire Council commissioned land to be set aside in 1859 for these purposes, located in the heart of the Benalla township.
The Gardens were devised by Melbourne landscape designer Alfred Sangwell and constructed between 1886 and 1887. Sangwell designed the garden structure in the 19th century ‘gardenesque’ style, with design elements including natural curves, annual and perennial bedding plants, expansive lawns, and attractive vistas. The Benalla Art Gallery was constructed within the Gardens in 1975, largely owing to the vision and generosity of Mr Laurence Ledger MBE and his wife Erma. The Ledgers not only contributed funds to the design and construction of the building, but also donated a significant body of 19th and 20th century artworks, a number of which are featured in this exhibition.
In 1995, the Gardens were heritage listed on the Register of the National Estate. The Benalla Botanical Gardens are currently home to a curated collection of native and exotic species and its iconic rose garden has led to Benalla’s reputation as the ‘Rose City’.
Re-generation celebrates the Benalla Art Gallery’s position within this important and beautiful Botanical Garden setting by showcasing highlights from its collection of floral and botanical works. Exhibited works pay homage to the diverse traditional and contemporary approaches to this genre in Australian art, whilst also exploring the relationship between the Gardens and the Gallery.