What is Australian art? How do you spot it? And how can you get involved in this exciting and ever-changing art world? The answer to all these questions is simple: come and explore the best collections of Australian art in Sydney.
Ghost Net by Paddy Bedford (1999–2007)
- Ghost net by Paddy Bedford (1999–2007). This is a series of sculptures made from old fishing nets.
It’s a symbol of the impact of overfishing on the environment. It’s a metaphor for the impact of climate change on the environment. And it’s also an ode to human overpopulation, contributing to both issues.
Sydney is a city rich in artistic treasures. One of the best collections of Australian art is at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, but others are scattered throughout the city, making some of Australia’s finest art accessible to all. Here are some of the top spots to find it.
- The Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) is one of Australia’s most famous art institutions, and it shows its collections in a building designed by architect Jørn Utzon.
- The Sydney Opera House is another iconic Australian building that has become embedded in the national identity—and it has some excellent pieces of art on its walls! For example, Brett Whiteley’s “Big Bluer II” and Arthur Boyd’s “The Last Supper” can be seen there.
- There are many smaller galleries around the city, too: the Museum Of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) in Surry Hills, which houses works from Indigenous Australian artists; Sydney College Of The Arts (SCA), located at the University Of Technology Sydney; and even smaller private collections like those owned by former High Court Justice Michael Kirby or businessman Dick Smith.
And don’t forget about regional galleries like those at NGAQWA, Adelaide SA; AGSAGVIC, Victoria; AGWVA South Australia Adelaide; AGWAUWA UWA Perth.
Sydney has some of the best art collections.
Sydney is home to some of the best art collections in Australia. The Art Gallery of New South Wales, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria are all located within a stone’s throw of Sydney’s cultural boulevard, St Kilda Road.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) is designed by architect Jørn Utzon. It features an impressive collection dating back to 1770. This includes paintings by Cezanne and Gauguin and Aboriginal artworks collected by early settlers to Australia.
The National Gallery of Victoria contains over 40,000 works spanning five centuries, including pieces by van Gogh and Monet.
It also houses contemporary Australian masters such as Sidney Nolan, whose work can be found throughout their permanent collection and their temporary exhibition space in Yagan Square adjacent to Federation Square.
Australian art is beautiful and accessible.
The best part about Australian art is that it’s accessible to everyone—it’s beautiful and diverse, with plenty to offer for people of all ages.
Whether you’re learning about history, culture, politics or society, whether you’re looking for an educational experience or something more entertaining, there are many different ways that Australian art can make a difference in your life.
Conclusion
So there you have it! This video has covered a lot of ground about Australian art in Sydney.
While there are plenty more spots to explore if you want to delve deeper into the subject, these places should give you a good introduction to what Australian art is all about.
And remember: when it comes down to it, don’t be afraid of making mistakes or being different from others—because as an artist yourself, you know better than anyone else that creativity knows no bounds!
