Carrick Hill, the renowned heritage property in Adelaide, announces upcoming exhibition Adelaide Mid-Century Moderns: Émigrés, mavericks, and progressives.
This exceptional showcase will feature over 30 artworks created by 25 Australian artists, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s artistic landscape during the 1950s and 1960s.
Curated by Dr Margot Osborne, a leading expert in Australian art, the exhibition will open its doors at Carrick Hill on 2 August and run until 15 October 2023. This eagerly anticipated event will be the first comprehensive survey of Adelaide modernism from the mid-20th century, encompassing various artistic movements and highlighting the influence of European émigré artists who arrived in Adelaide during that period.
“Carrick Hill holds an important place in the story of South Australia’s vibrant and diverse arts culture,” Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels says.
“It is a fitting venue for this fascinating exhibition celebrating art created during a unique time in our state’s history, known for the changes brought about by post-war European migration to South Australia.”
The 1950s and 1960s were transformative years for Adelaide’s contemporary art scene. The city experienced an influx of artists from overseas and interstate, bringing with them diverse cultural experiences, advanced art training, and innovative approaches to artistic expression.
Among the post-war arrivals were notable figures such as Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz, Ludwik Dutkiewicz, and Stan Ostoja-Kotkowski from Poland. These artists faced resistance from Adelaide’s conservative establishment but found support from influential figures like art critic Ivor Francis and publisher Max Harris. Through their perseverance, they integrated themselves into the local artistic community, fostering collaborations across various disciplines, including visual arts, architecture, theatre, film, and literature.
The exhibition also pays homage to the transformative years under the leadership of Paul Beadle, the British-born head of the South Australian School of Art, who joined forces with German-trained printmakers Udo Sellbach and Karin Schepers, as well as American artist Charles Reddington. Their influence led to the emergence of a new generation of South Australian artists, including Barbara Hanrahan, Syd Ball, and Robert Boynes, who made significant contributions to the city’s art scene.
The artworks showcased in Adelaide Mid-Century Moderns: Émigrés, mavericks, and progressives include pieces by John Baily, Syd Ball, Charles Bannon, Robert Boynes, and many other notable artists.
The exhibition has been made possible through a generous loan from the Art Gallery of South Australia, which provided paintings, works on paper, and archival materials from its collection, including several rarely seen works. Additionally, private collections have contributed loans to supplement the exhibition’s offerings.
This landmark exhibition draws upon Dr Margot Osborne’s forthcoming book, The Adelaide Art Scene: Becoming contemporary 1939-2000, a pioneering exploration of the triumphs and challenges of modern and contemporary art in Adelaide. The publication, a collaboration between Wakefield Press, Guildhouse, and Carrick Hill, with support from the Department of Premier and Cabinet through Arts South Australia, serves as an essential companion to the exhibition.
“We are delighted to bring together this remarkable collection of artworks, celebrating the dynamic and innovative spirit of the mid-century modern movement,” Carrick Hill Director, Susan McCormack says.
“During this transformative era, Adelaide’s art scene experienced significant flux, welcoming artists with diverse backgrounds and fresh artistic approaches. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Dr Margot Osborne in creating this extraordinary experience at Carrick Hill.”
As Adelaide Mid-Century Moderns prepares to open its doors, art enthusiasts and history buffs alike can look forward to immersing themselves in the captivating world of Adelaide’s artistic past. Carrick Hill invites visitors to experience the transformative power of art and celebrate the contributions of these visionary artists who shaped the city’s cultural landscape.
Adelaide Mid-Century Moderns: Émigrés, mavericks, and progressives
Where: Carrick Hill, 46 Carrick Hill Dr, Springfield SA 5062
When: 2 August until 15 October 2023
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This content was originally published here.