The Gertrude Editions is a series of limited edition works released annually by Gertrude Contemporary since 2002. Over the twenty-year history of the Editions, Gertrude Contemporary has commissioned former studio artists and past exhibitors, each of whom has developed a successful career and achieved significant Australian and international recognition. The Gertrude Editions promote the connection between these leading Australian artists and new studio artists at what is widely acknowledged as the primary incubator for visual artistic talent in Australia.
In 2020, Geelong Gallery received the gift of fifteen Gertrude Editions from local collectors Robert and Gail Bett and family, who had collected works since the release of the first edition by Ricky Swallow. This significant gift reflects the Betts’ enthusiastic collecting, and their strong commitment to contemporary artists and philanthropy. Their gift brings into the Geelong Gallery collection the work of some of the most highly regarded contemporary Australian artists working locally and abroad. It strengthens their holdings of several represented artists. The Gertrude Editions exhibition provided a unique and valuable overview of Australian contemporary art from 2002 to 2021 and includes works by Swallow, Kate Beynon, Emily Floyd, David Noonan, Jon Campbell, Nicholas Mangan, and Michelle Ussher, amongst others. The Betts’ legacy of collecting continues with the generous donation of funds to acquire the 2020 and 2021 Gertrude Editions for the collection.
Artist Talk
Saturday November 12, 11am
Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, Level 5
Explore the 20-year history of the Gertrude Editions with Geelong Gallery Senior Curator Lisa Sullivan in conversation with Gertrude Contemporary Executive Director Tracy Burgess and Melbourne-based artist Jon Campbell, a Gertrude studio artist from 1985–87 and the creator of the 2013 Gertrude Edition Yeah/Gertrude.
