The Jack Manton exhibition 1989

Foreword This is the second Jack Manton Exhibitionand it celebrates two important contributions to Australian art. The first is the exhibition itself which, since the inaugural eventof 1987,has generated considerable interest throughout Australia. The second is fack Manton's continuinggenerous support for Australian artthrough the Queensland Art Gallery. Since his retirement to Queensland in 1974, Jack Manton has maintained a strong supportive role fortheGallery through its Collection and, indeed, through this particular exhibition. The twelve artists invited to participate in this exhibition were chosen for their conspicuous presencein Australian art. They are artists who, while having established reputations, continueto provide work which is regardedashaving continuingimportance in the visual arts in Australia. Their so-called status as mid-career painters, the opportunity to see their recent work together, and the fact that their work has not regularly been seen in Brisbane arethefundamental ideas behind this exhibition. Furthermore, thegatheringof these artists in Brisbane forthe exhibition adds to its dynamism, and there is no doubt that it has become a significant event forthe exhibiting and interpreting of contemporary Australian art. The Gallery gratefully acknowledges the contribution of /ack and Jenny Manton, without whose commitment and interest this book and exhibition would not have been possible. D o u g Hall Director 5