Source: sydneypulse.blogspot
Edmund Capon AM, OBE is one of the most recognised figures in the Australian visual arts world. Formerly the Director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales for 33 years, he is also a passionate devotee of and expert on Asian Art.
It was a most appropriate decision this week, then, for the Board of Sydney’s 4A Centre for Contemporary Art to appoint him as its incoming Chair, following the completion of Caroline Choy’s term.
4A Director Aaron Seeto said, ‘[Capon’s] appointment comes at a significant time for both 4A and the rapidly developing Australia-Asia cultural network which we operate within.’
Capon said, ‘The arts of Asia have always been an absolute passion of mine. 4A deals so much with contemporary life: it’s about bringing the art of Asia here now, so that we can get that rapport and communication with the creative spirits around us in the Asian region.’
4A’s founding Director, now Museum Director and Senior Vice President, Global Arts and Cultural Programs at the Asia Society in New York City, Dr Melissa Chiu, said, ‘The appointment of Edmund Capon to the Board of 4A signals an exciting opportunity. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which I imagine will raise the profile of 4A more broadly both in Australia and elsewhere.
‘4A has emerged as an important regional voice, not only creating opportunities for Asian artists in Australia, but also advocating for the contemporary art of the region,’ she added.
Capon agreed. ‘You cannot imagine anything more important and pertinent to a place like Sydney and Australia than to get involved with Asia culturally, socially and economically and to underwrite all that with a certain cultural sensitivity – that’s what the arts has the power to do.’
Capon, while best known for his Directorship at the AGNSW, holds a Master of Philosophy Degree in Chinese Art and Archaeology (including language) from London University’s Department of Oriental and African Studies, and is a recognised world expert on Chinese Buddhist Sculpture in Bronze and Stone from AD 386 to 581.
He has written extensively on Chinese art and archaeology; written and presented a three-part ABC TV-China Central Television co-produced documentary entitled Meishu: Travels in Chinese Art, which was distributed worldwide; developed the AGNSW as a centre for Asian art display and education, pivotal in the gallery’s Asian wing that opened in 2003; not to mention the exhibition he has curated encompassing Asian, European and Australian art.
Capon will take up his new role in time for the launch of 4A’s next exhibition by the celebrated Thai artist, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, in Storytellers of the Town on 14 March.
