The Melbourne gallerist and jeweller Mari Funaki passed away at 1am 13 May 2010. She had been ill with cancer for a number of years, but her indominable spirit let us all to believe that she would could never die. Those who visited the gallery will no doubt remember her vivacious character and deep love of the objects on display and the artists who made them. Her own mysterious objects will live on in our world as testament to her unique vision and extraordinary language of metal.
After having arrived in Melbourne from Japan in 1979, Mari studied gold and silversmithing at RMIT and eventually decided that Melbourne needed a serious space to exhibit art jewellery. She established Gallery Funaki in 1995, which eventually became a critical point of connection between Australian jewellery and the international scene, particularly in Munich. Last year she had a major exhibition of her own work at the Art Gallery of Western Australia and was due to have have a solo show this year at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Mari will be sorely missed, but she leaves a significant legacy. Her gallery will continue on under Katie Scott and her work will continue to be admired.
A memorial service is planned for later this year.
After having arrived in Melbourne from Japan in 1979, Mari studied gold and silversmithing at RMIT and eventually decided that Melbourne needed a serious space to exhibit art jewellery. She established Gallery Funaki in 1995, which eventually became a critical point of connection between Australian jewellery and the international scene, particularly in Munich. Last year she had a major exhibition of her own work at the Art Gallery of Western Australia and was due to have have a solo show this year at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Mari will be sorely missed, but she leaves a significant legacy. Her gallery will continue on under Katie Scott and her work will continue to be admired.
A memorial service is planned for later this year.
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