Career Earnings: $1.43 Billion
Age:77
DOB: 16 April 1946
Birthplace: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
From playing in the streets as a toddler in Bulawayo to living the high life in Sydney, Judith Neilson’s story is a remarkable one.
Now, firmly entrenched as one of Australia’s most successful businesswomen, she has broken down barriers and created a legacy that transcends borders. This article explores the extraordinary life and career of Judith Neilson, delving into the trajectory of her journey from Zimbabwe to her current status as a trailblazer in the global business and philanthropic landscapes.
Still going strong well into her seventies, her tale is one of inspiration, determination and impact.
Early Life and Education
Neilson grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and later went to art school in Durban. Her grandmother was Australian and came from a sheep-farming family in Riverina.
In the early 20th century, Neilson’s grandfather, a young doctor from Trinity College Dublin, arrived in Africa. Interestingly, several local towns had pooled funds to bring a much-needed doctor to the region.
Four years later, he and his new wife emigrated to Africa and Neilson’s mother was born in the Kalahari desert. Growing up, Neilson heard many stories from her grandmother about the ‘unruly’ Kelly boys of home and the day a ‘gentleman’ bushranger stole her great-grandmother’s trousseau. These stories pique her interest in visiting Australia.
Neilson eventually plucked up the courage to move to Sydney around 1980. Soon after arriving Down Under, she began working as a graphic designer after securing a job in the HR department of Grace Brothers on Broadway.
After establishing herself in this role, she eventually settled in McMahons Point and was particularly drawn to the industrial history of Chippendale.
However, Judith also had a greater calling that was about to come to the surface.
White Rabbit Gallery
Judith Neilson is best known for being the driving force behind The White Rabbit Gallery. Her passion
for art – particularly contemporary Chinese art – led her to establish the gallery in 2009.
Situated in the vibrant Chippendale neighbourhood, The White Rabbit Gallery is housed in a converted Rolls-Royce service depot. This setting provides a distinctive and spacious environment for showcasing contemporary Chinese art.
Neilson’s commitment to promoting cultural understanding and fostering dialogue through art has made The White Rabbit Gallery a dynamic space for exploration and appreciation. Around the global art community, the gallery is known for its commitment to presenting cutting-edge exhibitions that challenge conventional notions and reflect the diversity of Chinese artistic expression.
Exhibitions and Collections
The White Rabbit Gallery is a contemporary art museum in Sydney that mainly showcases Chinese art from the 21st century. The gallery’s exhibits explore various themes, such as tradition, modernity, identity and globalization. Visitors can see the works of both emerging and established artists, which offer insight into the constantly changing landscape of Chinese contemporary art.
The White Rabbit Gallery is unique in its commitment to supporting living artists. The collection is not static and the gallery frequently rotates exhibits. This gives visitors the chance to experience new and thought-provoking perspectives with each visit. The museum features a diverse range of mediums, including paintings, sculptures and multimedia installations all of which reflect the dynamism of contemporary Chinese art.
The White Rabbit Gallery as a Cultural Hub
In addition to its role as an exhibition space, The White Rabbit Gallery serves as a hub for cultural exchange. The gallery hosts events, workshops and talks that engage the community – fostering a deeper understanding of Chinese contemporary art.
By providing a platform for dialogue and exploration, The White Rabbit Gallery contributes to the enrichment of Sydney’s cultural landscape.
The Neilson Foundation
Judith Neilson’s impact on the art world extends beyond The White Rabbit Gallery. As the co-founder of the Neilson Foundation (along with Kerr Neilson, her now ex-husband), she actively supports various initiatives, including funding for artistic projects, educational programs and research in the arts and sciences.
This commitment reflects Neilson’s belief in the transformative power of art and its potential to inspire, educate, and connect people across cultures.
Personal Life
Judith used to be married to the billionaire Kerr Neilson. They divorced in 2015 and they have two adult children together.
Before moving to Australia she was a graphic designer. However, she now holds a significant stake in Platinum Asset Management, an international equities manager that was founded in 1994 by her former husband.
In addition to the White Rabbit Gallery, Judith recently opened another art gallery in Sydney called Phoenix, which doubles as a performance space.
In 2016, she was awarded an OAM (Member of the Order of Australia) in recognition of her significant service to the arts – primarily through the galleries and museums sector. A couple of years later, she appeared in a list of the 100 Women of Influence published by the Australian Financial Review.
In Summary
Judith Neilson is a savvy and successful billionaire businesswoman whose vision and commitment to contemporary Chinese art have shaped The White Rabbit Gallery into a dynamic and influential institution.
Overall, the gallery’s ever-changing exhibitions, dedication to living artists and community engagement initiatives make it a vital cultural hub in Sydney. It also continues to inspire and connect people – bridging the gap between cultures and fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human expression.
Ultimately, it is fair to say that the little girl who used to play in the streets of Bulawayo has done very well for herself.