Treasured objects a reminder of terror on the seas
The Vikings were as savage and destructive as the Mediterranean pirates, and just as ruthless in seizing people to sell as slaves, but they were also much more impressive as seafarers.
Visual Arts
Dark Mofo back … from the edge
The controversial Tasmanian winter festival has been resurrected. What’s changed?
80 years of award-winning art from East Arnhem Land makes its way to Sydney
A new landmark exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales will transport you to Yirrkala, where Yolŋu people are passing down a rich history of multi-generational art-making.
Lessons in spirit from Sienese school
A sparkling exhibition in London celebrates Siena’s 14th century role as a centre of painting quite distinct from Renaissance Florence.
Just another day at Cable Beach
It’s Broome’s famous stretch of sand – but not as you know it. What’s the story behind this funny, Jeffrey Smart-like photograph?
Prolific chronicler of the human condition
Photographer Sebastiao Salgado became one of the world’s most prodigious chroniclers of the human condition, capturing suffering as well as beauty.
Rock and rage: how do you explain Chrissy Amphlett to a new generation?
The Divinyls’ 1981 song Boys in Town was the first single theatre director Sarah Goodes ever bought – and she was struck by its atmosphere and power. She feels Chrissy Amphlett deserves a place in the pantheon of collective memory.
First Impressionists get second chance
From Monet’s famous water lilies to a landscape by van Gogh, a collection of more than 100 Impressionist paintings has returned to Australia after Covid lockdowns cut short their initial show.
Push to put a marvel of urban planning on UNESCO’s grid
Admirers of Barcelona’s Eixample district, a 19th-century urban marvel, are calling for it to be nominated for Unesco world heritage protection.
Miranda July hasn’t finished reinventing herself just yet
The filmmaker, artist and best-selling author is never one to resist a new thing, from her new art installation in Melbourne to changing the way women think about ageing and themselves.
The Sydney artist who wants people to touch his work
You’re meant to engage with Mike Hewson’s ‘adult playgrounds’ and conceptual artworks. Including at Sydney’s beleaguered fish markets.
‘A lot of older men’: Next-gen quotas set for arts boards
State-run cultural institutions in NSW are set to have quotas imposed on their boards to guarantee a spot for young people.
‘Incident’ closes art show early
An ‘isolated incident’ at the major institution caused minor damage to three paintings, forcing a commissioned exhibition to be closed a month early.
‘They say everything has been done … I think that is so stupid’
Arcangelo Sassolino’s work for MONA involves heating molten steel to 1500C and dripping sparks from the ceiling. How did the Italian star become one of the world’s most exciting sculptors?
The art of the Aussie pub, in all its grit and glory
From smoke-hazed bars to brass-trimmed bartops, rising art star Holly Greenwood captures the raw, untold poetry of Australia’s pub culture – and the world is taking notice | WATCH
It’s literally a car crash when Paula Garcia performs her art
This year’s Hobart Dark Mofo festival will feature Brazilian artist Paula Garcia performing her unique Crash Body experience live for the first time.
Artist’s multifaceted installation takes out $100,000 Ramsay Prize
The expansive installation by Jack Ball incorporates photography, paint and beeswax and was praised by the prize’s judges for its ‘restless, kinetic quality that refuses definition’.
Select app auctions: the art of a new deal
Loic Gouzer was behind the sale of the most expensive artwork in history. Now he’s selling masterpieces via his app.
Two-way street of inspiration from Berlin
Modernist artwork never seen in Australia will be on display at the National Gallery of Australia alongside some of our most celebrated artists, in a dialogue exposing a rich two-way exchange.
Cezanne the greatest influencer in NGA’s new blockbuster
The National Gallery of Australia’s new blockbuster exhibition traces connected developments in Australian art with those in Europe, from Cezanne and Giacometti to Russell Drysdale and Grace Cossington Smith.
Rigg prize ushers in a new age of design recognition
The highest accolade in Australian contemporary design returns this year with a distinctly fresh — and young — feel.
‘Dangerously modern’ women given fresh direction
The art of Australian women artists in Europe is re-evaluated in a new exhibition by two state galleries, led by their freshly appointed directors.
Why this French Impressionism show deserves blockbuster status
Famed pieces from Monet, Renoir and Degas are going to become frequent fliers by making their second global crossing from Boston to Melbourne for this NGV exhibition.
How Caravaggio escaped cancellation
The Italian Baroque master had underage sex partners and used vulgar models – yet is surprisingly popular today.
Monash presses ahead with artist’s exhibit
Monash University’s Museum of Art has given the go-ahead to a postponed show featuring cancelled artist Khaled Sabsabi.
How art history left behind Australia’s leading female modernists
A new blockbuster exhibition uncovers the influential – and long-forgotten – role Australian female artists played in international modernism.
This could be the most beautiful exhibition
Lovers of Australian flowers and botanical painting won’t want to miss these watercolours by Rosa Fiveash and Ellis Rowan at David Roche Gallery in Adelaide.
Brisbane artist Julie Fragar wins 2025 Archibald Prize
Julie Fragar has won the $100,000 Archibald Prize, the country’s most coveted – often controversial – portraiture award, with her painting of friend and fellow artist Justene Williams.
Archibald winner ‘bland and gimmicky’
The winner of this year’s Archibald Prize, Julie Fragar’s Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene), is a predictably poor choice.
Uighur artist refuses to be hemmed in by borders of politics
Aniwar Mamat’s work is inspired by traditional felt makers in China’s Xinjiang province as well as by the corrugated iron sheets outside his window during Beijing’s Covid lockdown.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/visual-arts