New artwork gifted to MAG&M on its 90th anniversary

An artwork created by highly regarded Archibald Prize winning artist Wendy Sharpe has been gifted to Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M) on its 90th anniversary (Sunday 14 June).

Blue Harbour by Wendy Sharpe is a self-portrait of the artist at work with Sydney’s famous landmarks depicted behind her including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Customs House and Circular Quay. The painting is a night scene which is a favourite of Sharpe’s who has said before that, “At night everything looks more magical and mysterious.”  

The piece was generously donated by the Manly Art Gallery & Museum Society to celebrate the gallery’s 90 year milestone.

Wendy Sharpe is one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary artists who has a strong connection with the area and MAG&M having lived on the Northern Beaches the first 20 years of her life. Sharpe’s work was first exhibited at the gallery in 1999 with her sketchbooks depicting pencil drawings of commuters on the Manly ferries showcased as part of the exhibition Celebrating Paradise: the artist and the Northern Beaches.

In 2011, MAG&M purchased her concertina artist book of the Flinders Rangers and then in 2019, the gallery worked with Sharpe to present Wanderlust for the Manly Arts Festival which included a film exploring her love of travel and interest in observing the world around her.

Wendy Sharpe launched MAG&M’s Express Yourself 2020 in February and will also be participating in the Portraits Project in August this year as part of the gallery’s 90 year celebrations.

Her new work Blue Harbour adds to MAG&M’s extensive collection of over 1,200 paintings and works on paper.

You can see Blue Harbour as part of the Treasures from the Vault exhibition at MAG&M until Monday 3 August. Book your timed entry ticket here.