Visit to the Saatchi Gallery

Tracey Emin,  'My Bed'

In reply to Christopher Allen's critique of the Saatchi exhibition. I  believe he  makes many valid points. I agree with some of his observations, for instance, yes, some of the works seem ho hum and a little tired and wont have the longevity of many of the works displayed in the Gallery of South Australia.  However I disagree with his assertion that National and State funded galleries are the only institutions that can be counted on to provide the masses with high art. Saatchi is able to take risks with his art acquisitions, He is not constrained by funding or decisions by committees. This gives Saatchi enormous freedom to indulge his vision, promote emerging artists and make public, work that is cutting edge and provocative. Private galleries such as these  in Britain, Europe, the States and local Galleries such as Tarra Warra, in Victoria and the wonderful Mona in Hobart mean that these entrepreneurial collectors are able to  breath new life, vitality and excitement into the art world, with out these  collectors,  who are prepared to take enormous risks to  share with the public, their collections, display true philanthropy and support of the arts.  The United States of America has a long history of privately owned public Galleries and  its great to see finally, Private galleries  opening up their doors here. It is pertinent to remember that it was some time before the  National and State Galleries of Australia recognised Aboriginal art as high art. Long after Indigenous art was being sought by galleries overseas and being recognised as a significant art movement.