In particular, we were impressed by the following pieces of Australian art....art that not only illustrates so effectively the Australia that we know...but marked specific moments in the Australian cultural zeitgeist.
A break away! by Tom Roberts 1891
This piece is prominent in the memory of my youth as I spent rainy days poring over my mother's art history books. Not only did it have an impact on my impressionable young mind, but it also made an impact on Australia as it gave a visual identity to a country heading towards Federation. Amongst the juxtaposition of action and serenity, it provided a symbolic depiction of our transition from European settlers to a modern nation. This image has always been significant to me in the portrayal of our landscape; the sun bleached trees, dry heat and dust that typified the environs I grew up in.
Evening Shadows, a backwater of the Murray, South Australia. by H J Johnstone 1880
I had not seen this piece until the weekend but was very impressed. The subtle wash of light and the serene stillness are such a contrast to the reality of our landscape that this image constantly jars at my cultural identity. This is the Australia I wish I was in...the quiet, cool and peaceful landscape of majestic Eucalyptus set under a gentle sky. So authentic and yet so fake...this image was painted from a photograph in Europe...our bold and harsh sun kissed sky muted to a pale English summer evening. Even the stillness is unnatural, an artifact of the medium from which the image was transferred abroad.
The art gallery has a few other astounding pieces including a Wright of Derby, a Vernet and supposedly (according to their website) a Waterhouse, Renoir and a Tiffany which we didn't find on the day.
Next weekend we are off to Canberra and the National Art Gallery to see the French Masters before they leave our shores.
No comments:
Post a Comment