Australian Artists' Association

Australian Artists' Association was a significant organization that played a crucial role in promoting and supporting the work of Australian artists, including Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, and Arthur Streeton. The association was closely tied to the Heidelberg School, a group of artists known for their Impressionist style, which included Frederick McCubbin, David Davies (artist), and Walter Withers. Many of its members were also associated with the National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Queensland Art Gallery. The association's activities were often reported in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Bulletin (Australian magazine).

● History

The Australian Artists' Association was established in the late 19th century, with the aim of promoting and supporting the work of Australian artists, such as E. Phillips Fox, Rupert Bunny, and George Washington Lambert. The association was influenced by the French Impressionist movement, which included artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro. Many of its members were also inspired by the work of J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, and Joseph Mallord William Turner. The association's early years were marked by exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Arts, Society of Artists (Australia), and the Victorian Artists' Society. These events were often attended by notable figures, including Banjo Paterson, Henry Lawson, and Dame Nellie Melba.

● Membership and Activities

The Australian Artists' Association had a diverse membership, which included artists, art critics, and art collectors, such as John Peter Russell, Thea Proctor, and Norman Lindsay. Members were encouraged to participate in regular meetings, workshops, and exhibitions, which were often held at the Australian National University, University of Melbourne, and the University of Sydney. The association also published a newsletter, which featured articles on Australian art, art history, and art criticism, written by notable critics like Robert Hughes (critic), Germaine Greer, and Clive James. Many members were also involved in the Society of Artists (Australia), the Victorian Artists' Society, and the Royal Art Society of New South Wales.

● Notable Members

The Australian Artists' Association had many notable members, including Hans Heysen, Lloyd Rees, and Russell Drysdale. Other prominent members included Margaret Preston, Thea Proctor, and Adrian Feint. Many of these artists were also associated with the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Queensland Art Gallery. Some members, such as Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, and Charles Blackman, were also involved in the Angry Penguins movement, which included writers like Max Harris (poet), John Reed (art patron), and Sunday Reed. The association's members were often featured in publications like The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age.

● Exhibitions and Events

The Australian Artists' Association organized numerous exhibitions and events, which showcased the work of its members, including Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, and Arthur Streeton. These events were often held at the Royal Academy of Arts, Society of Artists (Australia), and the Victorian Artists' Society. The association also participated in international exhibitions, such as the Venice Biennale, the Biennale of Sydney, and the Melbourne International Arts Festival. Many of its members were also involved in the Archibald Prize, the Wynne Prize, and the Sulman Prize, which are still prominent art awards in Australia today. The association's events were often attended by notable figures, including Dame Edna Everage, Barry Humphries, and Germaine Greer.

● Impact on Australian Art

The Australian Artists' Association had a significant impact on the development of Australian art, particularly in the early 20th century. The association's emphasis on Impressionism and modernism influenced a generation of Australian artists, including Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, and Charles Blackman. The association's exhibitions and events also helped to promote Australian art to a wider audience, both nationally and internationally. Many of its members were also involved in the development of Australian art education, including the establishment of the National Art School, the Victorian College of the Arts, and the University of Tasmania. The association's legacy can still be seen in the work of contemporary Australian artists, such as Tim Storrier, Gordon Bennett (artist), and Patricia Piccinini. The association's impact is also reflected in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Queensland Art Gallery.

Category:Art organizations