The John Kaldor Family Collection

Sol LeWitt 
Wall drawing # 1091, 2003

On May 2011, The John Kaldor Family Collection opened at the Art Gallery of NSW. This gift, which Kaldor has collected and built up for over 50 years comprising of more than 200 contemporary international artworks is worth more than $35 million. Kaldor’s generous contribution means that AGNSW has an extensive collection of contemporary art.  After a $27 million grant from the NSW government, AGNSW were able to complete the gallery space after having the collection since 2008.

A dedicated collector of contemporary art, Josh Kaldor has been collecting these works since the 1960’s from emerging artists who are now highly influential and recognisable figures within the art world and art history.

The collection includes works by contemporary artists such as Christo and Jean-Claude, Jeff Koons, Sol LeWitt and Robert Rauschenberg as well as others. Minimalistic works by Donald Judd, Carle Andre and Frank Stella, performance works comprising of works by Gilbert & George, Richard Long and Francis Alys. Photography by Andreas Gursky, Thomas Struth and Thomas Demand as well as video art from artists such as Nam June Paik, Bill Viola and Shaun Gladwell. The collection covers a vast range of different themes, however there is a strong emphasis on minimalist sculptures and installations as well as drawing.

Alongside these works are a number of commissioned and newly installed site-specific artworks. The walk downstairs creates a suspense which is relieved upon seeing the five vast wall drawings by Sol LeWitt, a major wall work by Richard Long (Spring Showers Circle, 2011), and a new installation by Ugo Rondinone (Clockwork for Oracles, 2011) which heightens the excitement of more to come. The converted storage room allows for this large space to be enjoyed by art lovers around Australian and internationals.

The Art Gallery of NSW's director, Edmund Capon, said the floor's transformation from a storage space to one of the "greatest collections of international contemporary art" was "amazing"[1]

 [1] Black, Simon. "John Kaldor Gives Away His $35 Million Collection of a Lifetime." In,  (2011).