Photos: Paul Costigan.
I recommend that you and friends/ family /visitors take the time this summer to wander quietly through the collection exhibitions at the National Gallery, National Library and the National Portrait Gallery.
Except for one (Starstruck), all on my list below have no entrance fee – yep they are free except if you spend money in their shops and cafes. If you go during the week, there will be parking fees.
It is with these collection exhibitions that our public galleries show off selected works from their vast and fabulous collections.
Better still, they change the works over quite regularly – so if you have not been there for many months, it is time to revisit and enjoy the works. And all of these wonderful artworks deserve a second (or third) visit as each time you see them you should see them differently.
There are gems on show here in Canberra within these collection exhibitions that, if they were shown in a blockbuster, you would have to pay a lot of money to see.
Top of my recommendation is the NGA’s David Hockney print exhibition (top floor) and then the various photography works on exhibition; the photography is scattered through the NGA – they do not have a dedicated photography gallery.
The listings below are my recommendations – there are others not listed.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA (NGA)
- National Gallery of Australia International collection exhibitions;
- NGA Australian Art exhibitions;
- David Hockney prints;
- Indigenous Art – there is a special wing for Indigenous Art;
- Australian Impressionism;
- Otto Dix and August Sander – War, people, landscape;
- Arthur Streeton: the art of war – until 29 April 2017;
- Namatjira: Painting Country – until 3 April 2018.
NGA Photography: Wander around the two collection floors – International Top Floor and Australian 1st Floor – lots to see if you can find them all.
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY (NPG)
There’s much to see at the NPG:
- Starstruck: Film Stills: recommended for anyone with any interest in film and still. (Entry fee applies);
- 2017 Digital Portrait Prize.
- The National Portrait Gallery Collection exhibitions (some real gems here – so take your time).
The National Portrait Gallery Collection exhibitions.
NATIONAL LIBRARY of AUSTRALIA
Dombrovskis: Journey into the Wild – Top of the list for any lovers of photography (free entry).
When visiting the Peter Dombrovskis exhibition at the NLA – don’t miss the small exhibition in the next room. CHINESE POSTERS 1949-1976; National Library of Australia till 2nd February 2018 (free entry) Click here for information.
The PHOTOGRAPHY ROOM
And to finish, a private gallery – The Photography Room that specialises in exhibiting some great photography. The exhibition is currently closed but will reopen 28 January and is free to enter – but please consider purchasing an artwork and supporting a local initiative. Situated in the middle of the Kingston Old Bus Depot Markets – open on Sundays from 28 January.
Have you visited any of these exhibitions recently? What has your experience been? Are there any other exhibitions in Canberra that you think people should know about? Share your thoughts by commenting below.
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