In light of the recent changes worldwide, WA Gallery highlights artworks in a modern context.
Colonial Art is a term that refers to the art and architecture of 17th and 18th-century settlers who arrived in Australia. The Art of Gallery of Western Australia has officially announced that it will no longer permanently display its collection of famous colonial-era paintings, a controversial move aiming to showcase art pieces in a modern context. The shift is influenced by social and political movements worldwide in recent years, such as the COVID Pandemic, the MeToo Movement, Black Lives Matter, and Climate Crisis.
Australia’s most coveted painting Frederick Mccubbin’s Down on His Luck has not been on display over the past few years. Instead, the latest exhibition has historical masterpieces placed next to indigenous works of art, showcasing colonial art in a modern context.
“If you want to attract people, they need to see themselves reflected in some way inside the walls of the gallery,” says Colin Walker, Director of the Museum.
The change has not been welcomed by everyone, and criticisms of removing pieces by master painters are voiced. But according to the gallery, more people have walked through its doors since the shift in July than in any other consecutive month since 2008. Patrons are being encouraged to see Australia through different lenses by keeping colonial art and indigenous art side by side, hence making the expression stronger.
In spite of the criticism, the movement is critical in the current state of affairs and urges the spectators to interrogate the pieces in a different light, says Curator Melissa Harpley. The decision is a bold approach to keeping up with the changing world.
