Pre-Owned Australia (Hardcover) 1907533451 9781907533457

This landmark book charts the development of Australian art, from early Aboriginal paintings and the work of the 1st colonial settlers, to the artists of today whose work reflects their culturally diverse background. Exploring this eclectic 300-year history, the book also celebrates key moments in the Australian canon, such as Sidney Nolan's iconic painting series that followed the exploits of the outlaw Ned Kelly, a project which began in the 1940s. In recent years artists such as Tracey Moffatt, Fiona Hall and Vernon Ah Kee have emerged, establishing a highly original native art scene of international standing. The art of this continent is indelibly linked to its epic landscape. This book focuses especially on this complex and evolving alliance, illustrated in paintings, prints, drawings and photographs, as well as film and video stills. The distinctive Australian terrain is in constant dialogue with its people; this book examines the ways in which Australian artists have sought to negotiate their identities in relation to the extreme conditions of their land. Thomas Keneally is an Australian novelist, playwright and non-fiction author. Franchesca Cubillo is Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Anna Gray is Curator of Painting and Sculpture before 1920, also at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Deborah Hart is Curator of Painting and Sculpture after 1920 at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Ron Radford is the Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Wally Caruana is an independent curator, formerly a curator at National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Daniel Thomas is an independent curator based in Australia. Kathleen Soriano was Director of Exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Arts. SELLING POINTS: * A stunning exploration of the development of art in Australia both before and after colonisation * Beautifully illustrated essays exlore the diverse influences on Australian artists, and in particular their relationship with the epic Australian landscape * Written by renowned experts in all aspects of Australian art, in collaboration with the National Gallery of Australian Art, Canberra 200 colour