Major private collection featuring artworks from international and Australian contemporary artists coming to SAM this summer.

The Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is delighted to announce their upcoming summer exhibition The ARNDT Collection: From One World to Another, which will showcase treasures from the extensive art collection of Matthias Arndt and Tiffany Wood from 11 November 2023.

Presenting over 40 artworks from renowned international artists, including UK sensation Gilbert & George, German-born Joseph Beuys and Spanish master Pablo Picasso, alongside contemporary Australian artists, including Del Kathryn Barton, David Noonan and Ben Quilty, The ARNDT Collection: From One World to Another is a major exhibition that celebrates the passion of collecting.  

Matthias Arndt and Tiffany Wood say of the exhibition:

"We are so extremely pleased to have this opportunity to present and share our love of art with audiences at the Shepparton Art Museum through this curated presentation of the ARNDT Collection. This exhibition includes artworks close to our heart, and we are thrilled to work with this state-of-the-art facility and team to open up a dialogue about art collecting and our experiences working within the contemporary art field over the last three decades.”

Whilst works from the collection are featured in Arndt and Wood’s Cape Schanck-based The Artbarn throughout the years, The ARNDT Collection: From One World to Another will mark the first major presentation of the ARNDT Collection in a public institution in Australia. The exhibition will feature in both the People’s Gallery on Level 2 and the ceramics showcase on Level 1 of the museum.

Melinda Martin, SAM CEO, says:

“SAM is excited for this opportunity to present an exhibition of such exceptional work from across the world here in Shepparton. Matthias Arndt and Tiffany Wood have generously opened their personal collection to the Shepparton community, allowing us to share in their passion of collecting, championing, and nurturing artists throughout their careers. We invite everyone to celebrate the rare experience of enjoying this private collection by indulging in as many visits as they desire during its time at SAM.”

Jessica O’Farrell, SAM Head of Exhibitions and Collections, says:

“When considering how we best showcase the ARNDT Collection, we wanted to ensure that the essence of Matthias and Tiffany as collectors was felt across the exhibition. For example, we’ll present a large selection of Picasso ceramics in our Level 1 showcase located next to the café, where patrons can admire the works as they enjoy their coffee. With this approach, we’re able to reflect the way the collectors live with these ceramics within their home – that is, embedded within their communal gathering spaces. In doing so, our visitors will be able to experience these masterpieces of the ARNDT Collection as they do, with friends and family in a relaxed environment.”

The ARNDT Collection: From One World to Another will open to the public on 11 November at the Shepparton Art Museum. Entry to this exhibition, and all exhibitions at SAM, is free.

Programs and special events will be announced throughout the duration of the show.