Tim Klingender, Sotheby's Indigenous Art Expert, Dies in Sydney Boating Accident

Tim Klingender, a prominent Australian art historian specializing in First Nations art, died in a suspected boating accident off Sydney's Watsons Bay. His body was recovered from the water among debris. Police are continuing to search for tech entrepreneur Andrew Findlay, who was also believed to be aboard the 7.8-meter inflatable boat named Brig and remains missing. Klingender had served as senior consultant on Australian art at Sotheby's since 2004, where he established both the auction house's first contemporary art department and, two years later, its inaugural indigenous art department. He continued in this role when Sotheby's Australian operations rebranded as Smith & Singer in 2019. Through his advisory firm, he negotiated private sales of works by artists including Charlie Numbulmoore, Alec Mingelmanganu, and Doreen Reid Nakamarra.