Monumental Change

Monumental Change

The 1930s were charged with both optimism and despair for Australia as a nation, with modern feats of engineering such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge taking place against the shadow of the Great Depression and looming war. NGV explores how art and design engaged with forces of change, creating new ap­proaches such as abstraction, surrealism and expression­ism. Among more than 200 works are Max Dupain’s pic­tures of beach culture, and a display of Art Deco radios.

Brave New World, NGV, Melbourne, until 15 October. For more information: www.ngv.vic.gov.au

Credits:
1.4. Max Dupain, Australia 1911–92. Rush hour in King’s Cross, 1938, printed c. 1986. Gelatin silver photograph, 41.2 x 40.3 cm National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased through The Art Foundation of Victoria with the assistance of Mr A.C. Goode, Fellow, 1987 (PH14-1987).