Contemporary Art
No longer the preserve of fringe or avant-garde collectors, contemporary art now enjoys strong support within both the gallery and auction sectors and Leonard Joel has met that demand with a department devoted to art from the 1970s to the present day.
Our inaugural Centum auction, held in May 2020, was the first auction of its kind, highlighting 100 artworks by 100 living Australian artists.
If you have a piece or collection you are thinking of selling, please contact us for a complimentary appraisal.
Contemporary Art Auction Highlights
Contemporary Art Specialists
Wiebke Brix
Head of Art
Contact WiebkeWiebke Brix brings a wealth of experience, passion for art and expertise to Leonard Joel. Wiebke holds a PhD in Fine Art and has extensive experience in the gallery sector, as well as experience in project management and marketing.
Wiebke completed a master’s of studio arts with honours at Sydney College of the Arts under the influential contemporary Australian painter and sculptor Lindy Lee. Wiebke was then awarded a scholarship to complete a PhD in Fine Arts at Monash University in Melbourne, focusing on sculpture and installation art. After completing her studies, she commenced her career at Scott Livesey Galleries as Gallery Manager, working with important Australian artists such as Stelarc, Joshua Yeldham and Bruce Armstrong. It was through director Scott Livesey that she was first exposed to the secondary art market and developed an interest in the field.
In 2022, Wiebke decided to return to her adoration for the arts and took on the role of Art Curator at Alcaston Gallery. Wiebke’s tenure at Alcaston Gallery, known for its expertise in First Nations Art, has provided her with valuable insights into the indigenous art market.
Hannah Ryan
Senior Art Specialist, Manager of Speciality Auctions
Contact HannahHannah Ryan began her career working as a Gallery and Projects Assistant for an established Australian artist, where she facilitated important commissions, curated public exhibitions and managed events. In 2019, Hannah joined Leonard Joel as the Prints & Multiples Specialist, developing the category into one of Leonard Joel's most popular. During her time managing the Prints and Multiples department, Hannah has further cemented it as the most established Prints and Multiples department in Australia by achieving global record prices for artists including Keith Haring, Del Kathryn Barton, Invader, and Brett Whiteley.
In 2021, Hannah's role expanded to Art Specialist & Manager of Specialty Auctions, involving the management of Leonard Joel's annual Centum, Women Artists and Indigenous Art auctions.
Amanda North
Senior Art Specialist
Contact AmandaAmanda's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Art History and a Master of Art Curatorship from the University of Melbourne. Amanda's interest in Italian art led her to study abroad in Italy throughout her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, where she lived in Prato, Florence, and Venice while studying Italian Renaissance, Italian language, and Museology.
Her professional journey features roles at notable auction houses and private galleries, where she developed a keen eye for art valuation and curation. Prior to this Fine Art Specialist role, Amanda was the Art Salon Manager at Leonard Joel since 2021 where she developed her skills and interest in art valuation, thematic auction curation and auctioneering. Her experience encompasses managing significant collections and auctions, including the Sidney Nolan Auction ‘Myths, Legends, Landscapes’ from the Estate of Lady Mary Nolan and the deaccession of the National Australian Bank’s (NAB) collection - notably, where Amanda secured a white glove sale for the curated Peter Trusler auction.
With a keen interest in Australian women artists, Amanda curated thematic auctions to highlight a collection of works by Anne Marie Graham and Florence Dearling. Amanda's broad expertise in art history spans across various periods, thus underlining her involvement in expanding Leonard Joel's fine art offerings.
Our Departments
Leonard Joel offers specialist experience and regular, curated auctions across a diverse range of categories.
Important Collections
Over our 100 year history, Leonard Joel has been entrusted with the auction of some of the most interesting and important collections in Australia.
Jewellery
Founded over four decades ago, Leonard Joel’s Jewellery department leads the market in Australia with regular, curated auctions in Melbourne and Sydney.
Art
Leonard Joel’s Art Department offers expertise and extensive market knowledge in traditional, modern, international and contemporary art.
Decorative arts
Leonard Joel presents fine European and Australian interiors in curated collections.
Asian Art
Featuring important Chinese jade, ceramics and textiles, Himalayan, Indian, Japanese and Korean works of art.
Modern Design
Modern Design is one of Leonard Joel’s most dynamic and increasingly popular collecting categories.
Luxury
Unique to the Australian marketplace, Leonard Joel’s Luxury department offers vintage and contemporary handbags and accessories.
Collectables
Leonard Joel provides unrivalled expertise in this eclectic collecting category.