Federation: Australian Art and Society 1901-2001

by John McDonald (Editor)

This magnificent catalogue, published to accompany the National Gallery of Australia's landmark exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of statehood, offers an opportunity to enjoy, through the visual arts, some of the fascinating stories of the nation, a visual history of its progress as a people, society, and nation. While celebrating Australia's indigenous heritage, it also recognizes the contribution of people from all over the world who have settled there. The important and intriguing works seen here, along with the informative text, celebrate the depth and diversity of Australia, including its indigenous communities, multiculturalism, sporting heroes, youth, cities, and the bush. They offer many visual openings to the rich cultural landscape that exists in Australia and demonstrate significant movements within the development of the visual arts during the century. Following an insightful and provocative introductory essay, "From Gallipoli to Homebush Bay," by John McDonald, curator of the exhibition, the book is organized by chapters, each with its own The Land; Cities and Suburbs; Boom and Bust; Patriotic Duty; At Ease; Encounters; and Designing the Australian Experience.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the catalogue accompanying the exhibition Federation, an inspiring celebration of 100 years of Australian art and photography. Not just art by Australians, but art which shouts of its roots in that big dry continent at the bottom of our world. It imparts a great big rolling Australian flavour, and the quality of most of the work is stunning.

The layout is excellent and the pix are outstanding, beautifully reproduced and big enough see properly. Regrettably though the text is less gripping. I found it rather distant and dusty. One gathers some insights about Australian artists, history and culture, but it in no way inspired me. My pulse did not quicken. This may be in part because it had to cover so much ground. Perhaps a hundred years needs a lot more space.

No matter......the art and photography make this book a joy – particularly given that it conveys such a wonderful sense of Australia. It is one of my favourite books of art, and I am thrilled to have it on my bookshelf.

Herewith a few of its delights...




Sali Herman McElbone. Stairs. (1944)




Max Dupain. Sunbaker (1975)




Jaiwei Shen. Self portrait...Suddenly back to 1900. (2000)




Max Dupain. Black on white in Cairns. (1965)




Marie McMahon. You are on Aboriginal Land (1984)




George Lambert. Weighing the fleece (1921)




Eric Wilson. Portrait of the artist's mother. (1936)




Wandjuk Marika. Djan'kawu going to Yalangbara (1982)




Adelaide Perry. Woman pilot. (Mitty Lee Brown) (1931)

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Photographs mine, from the book.