Art Gallery NSW: Australian Modern Art — Part 2 Modern Life
Modern Life
In the 20th century, cities were socially, culturally, and physically transformed by the dynamics of modernization. In the rising structures of the metropolis, people adapted to new conditions and improved their quality of life. Aspiring artists flocked to cities, especially Sydney, as they were primary sites for the encounter with modernity and diverse artistic critiques. Captivated by unprecedented changes brought by modernization, artists depicted urbanized environments and people living in the novel modern society with keen insight. Artists invented original techniques that reflect the changes in society based on their study of European classical art and avant-garde ideas and techniques.
Modern Life: People
People in the painting gaze toward an unseen aeroplane flying overhead in a local backyard. The setting directly reveals a beautified representation of rural Australia. The placement of domesticated animals in the composition further contributes to the painting’s overall rustic sentiment. High contrast in tonal range and pastel color scheme is reminiscent of the strong sunlight of northern Australia.
The tension expressed in people’s faces is caused by seeing the flying vehicle. People in the countryside, who are used to the traditional way of living, are confused and surprised by the encounter with modern technology that invented the aeroplane. Through the depicted collision between tradition and modernity, the artwork invokes the monumentality of the changing world.
Modern Life: Setting
Margaret Preston is regarded as a master of Australian modern art. Both of the presented paintings show two of her still lives. Believing that the best subjects for modern art were to be found in everyday life, she painted a large number of still-life subjects. Yet, the artist deliberately selected subjects as her commitment was to create modern art demonstrating the beauty of Australia. Her selection of Western Australian gum blossoms is especially smart, as it is native to Australia.
Notable techniques shown in the two paintings are strictly calculated and reduced forms and subdued color palettes. Mechanical and scientific forms and colors of domestic machines were primary sources of inspiration. Through her invented technique, the artist sought to indicate the improved quality of living manifested by modernization.
Thank you for reading the shortened version of the article. It is the second article of modern art chapter in the comprehensive study on Australian Art. The study is divided into three chapters according to era: classical, modern and contemporary. To read the complete article, and view the complete list of the articles within the study, please direct to the linked articles.
Art Gallery NSW: Australian Modern Art — Part 2 Modern Life
Australian Art: from Classical Antiquity to Contemporary Emerging Talents
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