Modernism and Australia

Ann Stephen, Andrew McNamara, Philip Goad
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Modernism and Australia

Published

1 February 2007

ISBN

9780522852899

Pages

1068

Imprint

Miegunyah Press

Modernism and Australia

Ann Stephen, Andrew McNamara, Philip Goad
This first anthology of modernist art, design and architecture in Australia reveals the raw nerves that modernism exposed.
This first anthology of modernist art, design and architecture in Australia reveals the raw nerves that modernism exposed and highlights the role of migrants, expatriates, travel and mass reproduction in the reception of modernism in Australia.

In more than two hundred documents—talks, letters, fiery debates, public manifestoes and private diaries—the main players of the time (1917-67) convey in their own words the tensions, aspirations and paradoxes behind the reception of modernism. Each document is put in context and accompanied by expert commentaries from the editors.

The collection overturns many key assumptions about Australian culture, revealing not a 'time-lag' in reception, but an up-to-date engagement with the latest overseas trends and developments. It shows a surprising acceptance of modernism in the commercial realms (design, fashion, interior decoration), yet chronicles the dogged institutional resistance that greeted modernism, particularly in the fine arts.
This first anthology of modernist art, design and architecture in Australia reveals the raw nerves that modernism exposed and highlights the role of migrants, expatriates, travel and mass reproduction in the reception of modernism in Australia.

In more than two hundred documents—talks, letters, fiery debates, public manifestoes and private diaries—the main players of the time (1917-67) convey in their own words the tensions, aspirations and paradoxes behind the reception of modernism. Each document is put in context and accompanied by expert commentaries from the editors.

The collection overturns many key assumptions about Australian culture, revealing not a 'time-lag' in reception, but an up-to-date engagement with the latest overseas trends and developments. It shows a surprising acceptance of modernism in the commercial realms (design, fashion, interior decoration), yet chronicles the dogged institutional resistance that greeted modernism, particularly in the fine arts.

Ann Stephen

Ann Stephen

Ann Stephen is an art historian and Senior Curator of the University Art Gallery and Art Collection at the University of Sydney.

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Andrew McNamara

Andrew McNamara

Andrew McNamara teaches art history at the Queensland University of Technology.

Author image courtesy of Ray Cash

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Philip Goad

Philip Goad

Philip Goad is Chair of Architecture, Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor and co-director of the Australian Centre for Architectural History, Urban and Cultural Heritage at the University of Melbourne.

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