Blockbuster exhibitions to see this autumn in Canberra
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Calling all art lovers!
We may have farewelled the illuminations and installations of Enlighten Festival but that doesn’t mean we’ve farewelled art.
In fact, now is the time to catch Canberra’s autumn/winter blockbuster exhibitions—many of which have just opened.
Not sure where to go? Read on.
Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes | National Museum of Australia
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The exhibition in one sentence: Over 170 objects have travelled to Canberra from the British Museum in London to showcase the competitive nature of the Ancient Greek era—from sport to politics, and music to warfare.
Why are we excited: The diversity of the exhibition ensures there is something for everyone. The display of fine jewellery and pottery has certainly caught our attention!
Things you can’t miss: An audio tour, narrated by the ABC’s Patricia Karvelas, will add an extra dimension to the experience, detailing the stories behind the objects and illuminating more of the fascinating history. For those enamoured by this era—it is a must.
Tickets are required upon entry.
Until 1 May 2022 | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.au/exhibitions/ancient-greeks
Shakespeare to Winehouse: Icons from the National Portrait Gallery, London |National Portrait Gallery, Canberra
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The exhibition in one sentence: Some of the world’s most treasured portraits have arrived in Canberra in a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between the National Portrait Gallery of London and our very own: from Shakespeare to Winehouse, Malala to Diana, the exhibition has brought the finest works to our very own backyard.
Why are we excited: Not only are the subjects of a phenomenal calibre, but the iconic artists responsible for some—think Warhol, Hockney, Freud—are just as remarkable. What a treat!
Things you can’t miss: There are the contemporary icons, of course, but the history on display is simply unmissable—the portrait of William Shakespeare (believed to be the only one painted from life) to a 1575 portrait of Queen Elizabeth I—and you’d normally have to fly to London to see them!
Bookings are required before arrival.
Read the full story here.
12 March – 17 July 2022 | National Portrait Gallery | portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/shakespeare-to-winehouse-2022
4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony | The National Gallery of Australia
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The exhibition in one sentence: The National Indigenous Art Triennial returns to the National Gallery, with a programme centred around ceremony—a concept central to the creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Why are we excited: Not only does the exhibition provide the opportunity to explore First Nations art from across our nation, but the opening weekend programme also features art workshops that visitors are welcome to participate in. You can find the full programme of events here.
Things you can’t miss: Ceremony artists will participate in several panel discussions across the opening weekend. If you can’t attend in person, you can stream them online here and here.
26 March – 31 July 2022 | National Gallery of Australia | nga.gov.au/exhibitions/national-indigenous-art-triennial-ceremony/#the-triennial
Aquifer | Belco Arts
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The exhibition in one sentence: Art, climate, and water are the key components of the Belco Art’s newest program, combining exhibitions and events responding to the climate crisis.
Why are we excited: It’s art in a new way. Carbon Neutral, an instalment at the Canberra Contemporary Arts Space features the works of contemporary artists that don’t leave a carbon footprint.
Until the end of May 2022 | Belco Arts | belcoarts.com.au/aquifer
Jeffrey Smart | National Gallery of Australia
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The exhibition in one sentence: 2021 marked 100 years since Australian artist Jeffrey Smart was born, and to honour the centenary, the NGA is showcasing some of his most memorable works.
Why are we excited: It’s Smart, with a fresh lens. Those attending will see familiar works in a new way to celebrate their contribution to the global arts community.
Things you can’t miss: For a true immersion in the abstract nature of Smart’s work, the gallery is offering a collection of music pieces that can be listened to as you move through the exhibit. Bring your headphones and your device to access, with further instructions here.
Tickets required.
Until 15 May 2022 | National Gallery of Australia | nga.gov.au/exhibitions/jeffrey-smart
Van Gogh Alive
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The exhibition in one sentence: It’s the dream immersive art experience we can’t stop talking about—a sea of sunflowers and moving images bringing Van Gogh to life in a whole new way.
Why are we excited: The Insta opportunities are everything, but the Sensory4TM zone combines music and visuals of famous Van Gogh works for the ultimate immersive experience.
Things you can’t miss: The field of sunflowers in an infinity room! Hello!
Bookings are required before arrival.
Until 10 April 2022 | National Triangle at Parkes Place Lawns | vangoghalive.com.au/canberra
On Stage: Spotlight on Our Performing Arts| National Library of Australia
Houston Rogers, Portrait of Sir Robert Helpmann as Oberon [detail], 1954, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136330433.
Why are we excited: An eye-feast of posters, photographs, costume designs, and musical scores from the 1790s until now, the exhibition features items that have never before been on display, showcasing a hidden side of history—including faces and names that have been lost to time.
Things you can’t miss: The earliest surviving Australian printed document, and Dame Nellie Melba’s fan!
Until Sunday 7 August 2022 |National Library of Australia, Parkes Place| nla.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/on-stage
