CANBERRA.- Audiences will be transported back to the heyday of America’s print-making renaissance and experience works of art by some of the 20th century’s most exceptional artists in Lichtenstein to Warhol: The Kenneth Tyler Collection, which opens today at the National Gallery of Australia.

Drawing on the National Gallery’s extensive collection of post-War American art – the most significant outside the United States – the exhibition showcases some of the giants of the period, including Anni and Josef Albers, Helen Frankenthaler, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Mitchell, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, Nancy Graves and David Hockney.

National Gallery of Australia Director Nick Mitzevich said the national collection had benefited from the foresight of inaugural director James Mollison, who made the first acquisition from Tyler in 1973, as well as significant subsequent purchases, and Tyler’s generous gifts to the Gallery.

“Kenneth Tyler wasn’t bound by convention. He offered these artists – some of the most talented of the era – almost limitless opportunities for creativity and experimentation at his workshop. His vision helped re-establish print-making as a leading form of visual art,” Mr Mitzevich said.

The exhibition is curated by the National Gallery’s Head of International Art, Dr Jane Kinsman, who has a professional relationship with Tyler spanning three decades.

“With his ethos of never say never, master printer and publisher Ken Tyler was able to entice to his workshop some of the most talented artists in America,” Dr Kinsman said. “Working with Ken was an adventure for many artists and had a lasting impact on their career.”

Today, Mr Mitzevich announced the establishment of The Kenneth E Tyler AO and Marabeth Cohen-Tyler Foundation, which supports the National Gallery’s ambitious publication and exhibition program showcasing works from the Kenneth Tyler Collection. It also supports emerging curatorial staff, as well as research and digital access to the collection.

“Through their immense creativity and philanthropy, the Tylers have created a lasting legacy for the people of Australia and the National Gallery,” he said.

Lichtenstein to Warhol: The Kenneth Tyler Collection is on display at the National Gallery of Australia from 7 September 2019 until 9 March 2020. Entry to the exhibition is free.