The Australian art world is in shock as news of the tragic death of leading art dealer Tim Klingender, aged 59, emerged following a suspected boating accident in Sydney Harbour near Watsons Bay. Renowned for his dedication to promoting Indigenous art both in Australia and globally, Klingender’s passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill. His close friend and associate, Melbourne gallerist D’Lan Davidson, described him as the visionary behind the current Indigenous art market and lamented his untimely departure.
The authorities were alerted about the incident when boating debris was spotted floating in the water on Thursday morning. Subsequently, a search operation led to the recovery of Klingender’s body near rocks off Watsons Bay. The police also believe that a second man, aged 51, was on the vessel and are continuing the search for him.
Klingender was a father to two teenage children and had a passion for angling. His wife, Skye McCardle, was away in Nepal but has been notified of the tragic event. Friends and colleagues were deeply saddened by the loss of a man who had an exceptional knowledge and passion for Indigenous art.
The art dealer’s career had been illustrious, having trained at the University of Melbourne with a degree in fine art. He spent two decades at Sotheby’s, where he eventually became an international director, making significant contributions to the world of Australian Indigenous art. In 2009, he established his own venture, Tim Klingender Fine Art, and continued to play a vital role in the auctioneering world, with a particular focus on Australian Indigenous art.
Klingender’s dedication to promoting ethical practices within the international market for Australian Indigenous art was widely recognized and respected. He was sought after by private collectors and even Hollywood celebrities, including comedian Steve Martin. Over the years, he curated remarkable art collections, showcasing them in various cities worldwide before their final auction in Australia.
More recently, he was working as a senior consultant for Sotheby’s, overseeing Aboriginal art auctions in London and New York. In 2022, the auctions saw remarkable successes, with several world records set for Australian Indigenous artefacts and artists, including Michael Nelson Tjakamarra, whose piece “Five Dreamings” fetched an impressive $687,875.
Klingender’s passion for Indigenous art was evident in his representation of First Nations artists at Sotheby’s New York auction, where notable pieces, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “El Gran Espectaculo (The Nile),” were sold for substantial sums.
Among the records set, an unidentified European collector acquired Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula’s “Water and Bush Tucker Story” for a record $US762,000.
Tim Klingender’s sudden demise has left the art world mourning the loss of a visionary and influential figure in promoting and preserving the legacy of Australian Indigenous art. His significant contributions and dedication will be fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched during his remarkable career.