Miss
Modernism
Modernism first came to Australia in the mid-1910s through migrants1, expatriates, exhibitions and publications. The movement spanned five turbulent decades, including global wars, economic depression, technological advance and massive social change.
Inspired by early European avant-gardes2, the modernist movement3 affected many forms of arts and commerce. While modernism was expressed differently in each of these forms, the common thread was a rejection of traditional representations of the world. The focus was on form over content and style over subject matter. The modernist approach was enabled, in part, by advances in science and technology. Carter, Jeff (b. 1928), At the Pasha nightclub, Cooma, late 1950s. Image courtesy of the Powerhouse Museum4
Many aspects of modernism made their way into Australian culture quite freely. By the 1930s, modern style flourished in retail, entertainment, pubs, milk bars, modern swimming pools and fashion. It was not until the late 1950s – early 1960s that the realms of architecture5, photography6, sculpture and fine art7 received greater acceptance.
However, the unfamiliar language of modern art often met with strong and passionate resistance from Australia’s general public and art establishment.
Australia’s reception to modernism is a complex story of spasmodic cultural transformation led by avant-garde experiments and the creative exchange between modern artists8, designers9 and architects10. From reshaping the environment (in particular city living) to affecting body image, social life and ideals about design, its impact has been profound.
Foundations
Taking their cue from international modernist movements, including the Bauhaus11, abstract expressionism and French symbolism, Australian modernists experimented and collaborated across artistic disciplines.
Better-known modernist groupings include the contemporary art societies in Melbourne12, Sydney13 and Adelaide14; the Arts and Crafts Society; Angry
Modernism first came to Australia in the mid-1910s through migrants1, expatriates, exhibitions and publications. The movement spanned five turbulent decades, including global wars, economic depression, technological advance and massive social change.
Inspired by early European avant-gardes2, the modernist movement3 affected many forms of arts and commerce. While modernism was expressed differently in each of these forms, the common thread was a rejection of traditional representations of the world. The focus was on form over content and style over subject matter. The modernist approach was enabled, in part, by advances in science and technology. Carter, Jeff (b. 1928), At the Pasha nightclub, Cooma, late 1950s. Image courtesy of the Powerhouse Museum4
Many aspects of modernism made their way into Australian culture quite freely. By the 1930s, modern style flourished in retail, entertainment, pubs, milk bars, modern swimming pools and fashion. It was not until the late 1950s – early 1960s that the realms of architecture5, photography6, sculpture and fine art7 received greater acceptance.
However, the unfamiliar language of modern art often met with strong and passionate resistance from Australia’s general public and art establishment.
Australia’s reception to modernism is a complex story of spasmodic cultural transformation led by avant-garde experiments and the creative exchange between modern artists8, designers9 and architects10. From reshaping the environment (in particular city living) to affecting body image, social life and ideals about design, its impact has been profound.
Foundations
Taking their cue from international modernist movements, including the Bauhaus11, abstract expressionism and French symbolism, Australian modernists experimented and collaborated across artistic disciplines.
Better-known modernist groupings include the contemporary art societies in Melbourne12, Sydney13 and Adelaide14; the Arts and Crafts Society; Angry