On Wednesday, 12 August, 20 International Women’s Forum Australia (IWFA) members and guests gathered at the Art Gallery of South Australia for a special evening of art, connection and conversation, with drinks and a private tour of the acclaimed Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition exhibition.
The evening began with drinks and an introduction from the Art Gallery of South Australia, before members were given an exclusive opportunity to explore the exhibition on a private guided tour hosted by the Art Gallery Director, Jason Smith.
Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition traces a ground-breaking period in art history through 57 masterworks from the Toledo Museum of Art’s world-renowned collection. Exclusive to the Art Gallery of South Australia, the exhibition brings together works by some of the most influential European and American artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The exhibition tells the story of artists who challenged established conventions and transformed the course of modern art, spanning movements from Impressionism to Cubism, Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism.
Members had the opportunity to experience works by artists including Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Piet Mondrian, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Rauschenberg and James McNeill Whistler. Selected works from the Art Gallery of South Australia’s own collection further enriched the exhibition.
For IWFA members, the evening offered a unique opportunity to experience one of Adelaide’s major cultural exhibitions while connecting with fellow members and guests in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
IWFA President Amanda Rischbieth reflected on the evening:
“What a very special IWFA experience brought to us by IWFA SA Forum chair, Sandy Verschoor. Thank you also to Jason and Emma from the AG SA team. We all loved ‘Le Bar’ and bubbles before being immersed in the Exhibition, led by Jason’s inspiring commentary and art intellect.”
The private tour provided plenty of opportunity for discussion and reflection, with the expert commentary bringing the stories, ideas and personalities behind the works to life.
Events such as the Monet to Matisse private tour are just one example of the cultural, professional and networking experiences available to IWFA members. By bringing together accomplished women across diverse industries and generations, IWFA creates opportunities to experience, learn, connect and inspire.
A special thank you to Sandy Verschoor for hosting the evening, and to the Art Gallery of South Australia team for welcoming IWFA members and creating such a memorable experience.
