Australia at the Venice Biennale: A Century of Contemporary Art

Before World War I, a group of Australian artists gathered in Paris and London to embrace new ways of painting. By 1914, twelve of them had shown their works at the Venice International Exhibition, known as the Venice Biennale. Four decades later, Australia sent its first official delegation of artists, continuing the story of bold Australian art in Venice. The Venice Biennale remains an aspiration and career highlight for contemporary artists, and Australia's love affair with the exhibition thrives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 1 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Melbourne University Press

Before the winds of World War I tore Europe apart, a raucous and radical group of Australian artists would congregate in the salons of Paris and London to embrace new ways of painting and seeing the world. By 1914, twelve of them had showcased their works at the Venice International Exhibition, now known as the Venice Biennale. Bundled in with the British, Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, and Thea Proctor were represented alongside legendary artists Corot, Rodin, Klimt, and Renoir. Four decades later, Australia sent its first official delegation of artists: Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale, and William Dobell; the works of Rover Thomas, Howard Arkley, Patricia Piccinini, and Shaun Gladwell continued the story of bold Australian art in Venice.

With the support of the Australian art community, the Venice Biennale today remains an aspiration and career highlight for contemporary artists, and Australia's love affair with the exhibition thrives. Discover the untold stories of the world's most important art event through one hundred years of Australian modern art.

Weight: 1732g
Dimension: 140 x 209 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780522877366