As Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition opens to the public, Art Gallery of South Australia’s Tansy Curtin shares the simple pleasures and treasured memories that shape her life.
What does your idea of the perfect day look like?
If I were to think of my perfect day and what I would most like to do, this is what I imagine: I am visiting an historic house (Tudor preferably) and handed a large bunch of keys of all shapes and sizes – some old, some new – and these keys open every door and cupboard in the house. I am given free rein to explore the building and its contents, to rifle through drawers and unravel the stories of the house and its past and present custodians. From the attics to the basements, no space is off limits and I get to indulge my curiosity, love of art and history and ultimately uncovering the connection between the people, the collections and the place.
What is a wonderful moment of kindness you have experienced?
The incredible support of my family and my husband’s family during the lead-up to installing AGSA’s upcoming exhibition Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition, and as we prepare to move house – offering to help move our belongings as well as bringing us food during what is a very busy and stressful time is truly wonderful and makes me feel just that little bit less anxious about the whole thing.
What is your favourite photograph?
A family holiday in North America in 2024 – our feet as we stand on the sky deck in the Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower) in Chicago.
What a hard question! There are so many wonderful works of art in the world. I have a very eclectic collection of art myself, mostly works by SA artists and a few international prints – I am quite content with the scope of what’s in my house. Instead of owning a work for myself, there are works of art I would like to be in a public institution in SA (namely AGSA, of course) – it would be extraordinary to have a work by Dutch master painter Johannes Vermeer. Although this is unlikely to ever be realised given only 34 paintings by the artist are known today and the majority of these works are in museum collections across the globe.
Here’s $500. You have to spend it in the next hour – what are you buying?
I love buying beautiful hand-dyed yarns made by Australian artisans/craftspeople. I am an avid crocheter and like to have a stash for future projects just in case and could easily spend the $500 very quickly!
A restaurant or bar in SA you’d recommend?
I’m not really a bar person but I did have a lovely dinner and drink recently at La Chiva Taqueria in Grote Street a couple of weeks ago. I tried my first michelada and enjoyed delicious authentic Mexican food.
What was the last film/tv show you watched?
I just finished watching the new season of Stuff the British Stole. The drama of research and discovery is fascinating and of course as someone who works with complex histories and narratives every day, I revel in the uncovering of these sometimes difficult narratives. I also find it fascinating how divisive a program like this can be – the use of the word ‘stolen’ seems to really grate on some, but I appreciate the way it can make us think about how objects, artefacts and works of art can end up in the most unlikely places.
Favourite way to unwind?
I love gardening and am very excited as we have just bought a new house with a large garden. I find the best way to unwind is a weekend in the garden, digging, planting and building and I can’t wait to get into our new garden – building a chook house, planting fruit trees, and creating a large vegetable patch. The physical exhaustion of a busy gardening weekend helps reset the mind for a busy working week!
Last book you read?
I have just finished The Correspondent by Virginia Evans after it was recommended by a colleague. I enjoyed the construction of the novel through an assemblage of correspondence as well as the through line of the unsent letter. The story takes the reader through a whole range of emotionally experiences – joy and laughter to truly devastating loss.
Last song you listened to?
I prefer a good podcast – especially when taking my dog for a walk – and unsurprisingly history podcasts are my go-to! Lately I have been catching up on The Rest is History and Not Just the Tudors – again, I love hearing about other people’s lives, and tracing the social and political circumstances that have led us to where we are today.
Feature image: Tansy Curtin, assistant director, Artistic & Collection Programs, AGSA, with an image of Vincent van Gogh, Wheat Fields with Reaper, Auvers, 1890. Photo: Saul Steed
Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition is showing at the Art Gallery of South Australia until November.
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