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Art Down Under:  Australian Art from the Convict Years to the Modern Era

Valerie Woodgate

Dreamtime, convicts and early settlers - artistic responses to life in the strange new continent were initially seen through European, and especially British, artistic traditions.  In the 19th century, Australian Impressionism and the 'Heidelberg School' challenged the dominance of the 'Victorian' style, with Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and others producing works which became Australian icons.  The First World War was a watershed in Australian and New Zealand history.  No longer subservient to Europe, artists now found their own language to depict the unique landscape and culture Down Under.  At the same time, indigenous artists began to respond to contemporary life, while retaining many of the traditions of their ancestors.

Valerie Woodgate is a lecturer and guide at Tate Britain and a number of other London galleries.  She also lectures for the National Trust, on P&O Cruises and is a member of the teaching team at Dulwich Picture Gallery.