Australiana: Designing a Nation at Bendigo Art Gallery

What is ubiquitous when it comes to iconic Australian art and design? This emotive question is deeply complex. It is a reflection of our nation’s cultures, histories and peoples that stretch back thousands of years. Bendigo Art Gallery’s major new exhibition Australiana: Designing A Nation contemplates key chapters of our history through to the present day through rich expressions of visual and decorative arts, photography, illustration, furniture, jewellery, moving image and fashion.

Australiana: Designing a Nation is an expansive collection of works by over 200 artists and designers, including many Australian masterpieces that even the novice art afficionado will immediately recognise. Central to the collection is the acknowledgement that despite the dramatic impact of colonialisation 250 years ago, First Nations art and design have prevailed, and in critical points of Australia’s social and political history, a surge in the nationalist sentiment expressed artistically can be observed. “Australiana”, therefore, is the by-product.

‘From the long-standing traditions of Australia’s First Peoples to historic and modern moments of nationalistic fervour in the colony, the exhibition captures Australia’s social and cultural history and popular notions of identity and style,’ says Jessica Bridgfoot, Director, Bendigo Art Gallery.

Expect to see well-known and beloved Australian art, including Tom Robert’s 1890 painting Shearing the Rams, Russell Drysdale’s 1941 painting Moody’s Pub and Ken Done’s Sydney Sunday, illustrating the bustle and energy of the Sydney Harbour. Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku Yalanji artist Tony Albert’s installation Clash is an expression of reclamation and resistance and is constructed utilising kitsch souvenirs and domestic items that depict caricatures of First Nations people. Recent works include The Royal Tour (Vincent and Elizabeth on Country) by Vincent Namatjira.

Bush magic, Australiana in fashion, is a trend seen in the 70s and 80s where garment design found inspiration in Australia’s flora and fauna and the bold, striking colours of natural landscape and sea. Vivacious and loud knitwear featuring koalas and XXXXXX are dotted around one room, as is the Bush magic dress and gumnut cap by famous fashion house Romance was Born. Marrithiyel artist Paul McCann’s Saltwater Crocodile gown, Pink Water Lily gown and White Ochre gown are on display, showcasing on his own terms, the very best of “bling bling faboriginal”.

Nostalgia and a contemplation of our national and personal identity are superbly contemplated by an installation that pairs memorable photographs with true-blue Aussie tunes. Bop along to feel-good tracks ‘Locomotion’ by Kylie Minogue, ‘Run to Paradise’ by The Choirboys and ‘Great Southern Land’ by Icehouse while viewing photos of Bob Hawke smoking a cigar, King Charles, then the Prince of Wales attending the races, larrikins drinking at a pub in Queensland or bronzed babes at the beach.

To cap off the exhibition is an ice-cream wonderland paying homage to your childhood favourites. Expect to see replicas of Paddle Pop, Callipo, Golden Gaytime and Maxibon. Take a second to colour in your ideal ice cream design and relive fond times.

Australiana: Designing a Nation is a celebration of who we are today and our defining moments of yesteryear. The free exhibition is in its final weeks and closes on Sunday 25 June 2023.

Australiana: Designing a Nation
Bendigo Art Gallery – 42 View Street, Bendigo 3550
Open 7 days, 10am to 5pm