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Christopher Allen has been The Australian’s national art critic since 2008. He is an art historian and educator, teaching classical Greek and Latin. He has written an edited several books including Art in Australia and believes that the history of art in this country is often underestimated.

Latest

Review

Subtly superior

The Tom Roberts exhibition at the National Gallery serves as a reminder of the fine painter he was at his best.

Christopher Allen

Review

Crime unmasked

The National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition Sideshow Alley focuses on the image of the criminal in Victorian popular culture.

Christopher Allen

Visual Arts

Diego Velázquez An old woman cooking eggs 1618 oil on canvas 100.5 x 119.5 cm Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh © Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland ***This image may only be used in conjunction with editorial coverage of The Greats exhibition, 24 Oct 2015 - 14 Feb 2016, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This image may not be cropped or overwritten. Prior approval in writing required for use as a cover. Caption details must accompany reproduction of the image. *** Media contact: Lisa.Catt@ag.nsw.gov.au *** Local Caption *** ***This image may only be used in conjunction with editorial coverage of The Greats exhibition, 24 Oct 2015 - 14 Feb 2016, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This image may not be cropped or overwritten. Prior approval in writing required for use as a cover. Caption details must accompany reproduction of the image. *** Media contact: Lisa.Catt@ag.nsw.gov.au

Masterful surveys among the mix

There was plenty to see this year, with variations in quality and coherence.

Christopher Allen

Review

Birth of the blues

The National Gallery of Victoria’s fascinating exhibition on the colour blue traverses continents and centuries.

Christopher Allen

Review

Richard MOSSE Higher ground 2012 type C photograph 227.0 x 185.0 cm (image and sheet) National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased NGV Foundation, 2014 2014.358 © Richard Mosse. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York From the exhibition: Richard Mosse: The Enclave NGV International 10 Oct 15 – Feb 16 To be used in conjunction with exhibition only; not to be altered, overprinted, cropped; must credit

Violent violet visions

An artist has created haunting images of misery from the place that inspired Apocalypse Now.

Christopher Allen

Exclusive The story of Australian art has been given greater priority at the NGAVisual Arts

The newly redesigned and rehung Australian galleries now downstairs at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.

Local works front and centre

The story of Australian art has been given greater priority at the NGA.

Christopher Allen

Review

Seasonal bonuses

Australia has some must-see shows over the holidays, but it’s also a good time to fly north for the cultural winter.

Christopher Allen

Review

Leonardo da Vinci Studies of a dog’s paw c1480‐85 metalpoint on paper coated with a pale pink preparation 14.1 x 10.7 cm Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh © Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland From exhibition: The Greats Art Gallery of NSW To be used in conjunction with exhibition only; not to be cropped, overprinted; must credit

Fine lines

Leonardo da Vinci, Rubens and Rembrandt are among a stunning selection of drawings at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Christopher Allen

Review

Matthew SLEETHMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 1972–New York City, New YorkBali 2010HD videoduration: 27 minutes Courtesy of the artist and Claire Oliver Gallery, New York © Matthew Sleeth From the exhibition: Australian Artists in Bali: 1930s to Now McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery To be used in conjunction with exhibition only Must credit; not to be altered, overprinted

Isle of enchantment

The dream of Bali as an idyllic island forgotten by time, a kind of Shangri-La, dates back almost a century.

Christopher Allen

Review

Titian Venus rising from the sea (Venus Anadyomene) c1520-25 oil on canvas 75 x 56.2cm Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh © Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland ***This image may only be used in conjunction with editorial coverage of The Greats exhibition, 24 Oct 2015 - 14 Feb 2016, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This image may not be cropped or overwritten. Prior approval in writing required for use as a cover. Caption details must accompany reproduction of the image. *** Media contact: Lisa.Catt@ag.nsw.gov.au *** Local Caption *** ***This image may only be used in conjunction with editorial coverage of The Greats exhibition, 24 Oct 2015 - 14 Feb 2016, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This image may not be cropped or overwritten. Prior approval in writing required for use as a cover. Caption details must accompany reproduction of the image. *** Media contact: Lisa.Catt@ag.nsw.gov.au

Tartan treasures

The Greats exhibition from Scotland sets the standard for how a blockbuster exhibition should be.

Christopher Allen

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/christopher-allen/page/54