Visual art
Destination art: The best exhibitions to see around Australia while on holiday
From surrealist masterpieces to David Bowie’s handwritten lyrics, we’ve rounded up the museums and galleries where you should spend your time and money.
- by Elizabeth Flux, Nick Galvin, Linda Morris and Nick Dent
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‘The pen has run dry’: Acclaimed cartoonist Michael Leunig dies
Leunig’s death was announced on social media late on Thursday. He was 79.
- by Lachlan Abbott
Phalluses, dots and songs about antidepressants: A true blockbuster has landed at NGV
A sprawling new exhibition explores the storied career of Yayoi Kusama – where, despite all the fun and colour, melancholy beats at its heart.
- by Tiarney Miekus
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Art
She died a ‘housewife’, now Ethel Carrick breaks art auction records
From the streets of Paris to the beaches of Australia, Ethel Carrick was ahead of her time.
- by Linda Morris
Major galleries reveal their 2025 blockbusters – with big surprises in store
The Art Gallery of NSW and Museum of Contemporary Art have unveiled their shows for 2025, and there is not an Impressionist master among them. Here are the best shows.
- by Linda Morris
Bob Carr makes history with new Sydney appointment
The former premier will chair the board of the Museums of History NSW. Meanwhile, an ex-Liberal leader gets a spot on the NSW Art Gallery board.
- by Kishor Napier-Raman and Stephen Brook
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Arts
Bill Henson wants to ‘make the world strange again’ with rare new work
An ambitious new portrait by the acclaimed Australian photographer will preside over the revamped State Theatre – and the CEO of Arts Centre Melbourne says it’s just the beginning.
- by Meg Watson
Three Things I Love: Street artist Stormie Mills names his Perth faves
The revered street artist has recently moved to Venice, but that’s given him a new perspective on the landscapes and culture of the city he once called home.
- by Emma Young
She’s one of the top 10 artists in the world. Now we’ll get to see why
Chinese artist Cao Fei’s first major Australian exhibition, My City Is Yours, showcases the work that has had her called one of the top artists on the planet.
- by Gabriella Coslovich
Unique Australian snake sculpture nets record price
Once the poor cousin of painting, sculpture is having its moment in the sun. A record $1.25 million has been paid for a work by Australian artist Bronwyn Oliver.
- by Linda Morris
His grandmother’s song was silenced, but art helped Reko Rennie find his voice
His grandmother’s legacy lies at the heart of many of Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie’s works, which blend activism with exploration of identity and culture.
- by Elizabeth Flux
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/visual-art-1msv