WAGNER ART GALLERY is recognised mainly for representing the work of the modern masters such as Boyd, Blackman, Nolan, Dickerson, Olsen, Crooke, Storrier, Gleeson and has grouped these 20th century icons into an exclusive category that is termed the elites. These artists need no introduction and collectors will find that this eminent group is well represented at WAGNER ART GALLERY, which houses rare and highly coveted pieces.

However, Wagner is also committed to the contemporary artists of the 21st century. Artists such as Minnie Pwerle, Gloria Petyarre, Margaret Woodward, Robert Juniper, Celia Perceval and Mike Worrall have forged their own way in the path of the 20th century icons. From the collector's point of view, WAGNER ART GALLERY classifies this group as the established and feels that these are the next great wave of artists that are becoming coveted by those collectors who have a discerning eye.

WAGNER ART GALLERY is equally focused on the development and promotion of the talented but younger, less exposed artists, advancing their unique imagery into a relatively unfamiliar market of collectors. Penelope Long is part of the emerging group who will be spotted by collectors who have the same idea as Shirley and Nadine and see the huge potential that these artists have within them. This is where the keen eye comes into its own and taking a risk now may pay off huge dividends in the future. All these artists are chosen for their technical and creative abilities and the rest of us will watch anxiously how they mature. This is the exciting aspect of art and what makes the experience of discovery rewarding and challenging.

The founder and Creative Director, Shirley Wagner has been the driving force of Wagner Art Gallery since its inception in 1978. Regarded as one of the true matriarchs of the Australian art scene she has fostered and managed the careers of many great artists and continues tirelessly to bring the talents of a new generation to a market that relies on Shirley Wagner's keen eye.

Further, she has brought many overseas exhibitions to Sydney including American greats such as Warhol and Lichtenstein.

Outside of promoting Australian artists locally, she has taken many exhibitions overseas touring in major markets such as Tokyo and New York. Over a decade ago, she opened her gallery doors in Hong Kong. Wagner Art Gallery HK is the first and only gallery of its kind showcasing the depth of Australian talent directed to an eager international audience.

Shirley is a livewire and a font of information. She is happy to discuss issues that focus on the parochial palette or if you wish to widen your conversation taking art on a global level, she can provide a overview that is presented from an insider's perspective.

The next generation of Wagners, Nadine and Leon have been raised with the smell of paint all around them. As children, they grew up listening to heated debate about art featuring colourful exponents such as Blackman and Arthur Murch, Nolan and Friend. The gallery has become their life and Shirley has passed on her great knowledge to her children.

Nadine now manages the gallery and runs all the monthly exhibitions. She, too, is always on hand to discuss anything and all from investment buying to emerging artists.

Director - Shirley J. Wagner
Managing Director - Nadine Wagner.