A new exhibition, Dangerously Modern, is bringing attention to the pioneering work of Australian women artists who made their mark in Europe between 1890 and 1940. Hosted across two major institutions—the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) and the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA)—this exhibition explores the rich and often overlooked contributions of these women to the modernist art movement.

The title of the exhibition, Dangerously Modern, underscores the boldness and defiance of these artists, whose work was considered radical not only because of its aesthetic qualities but also because of the very fact that women were stepping into the male-dominated art world. During this period, many of these artists broke away from traditional academic art forms, embracing modernism and avant-garde movements, from post-impressionism to abstraction.

The Cultural Landscape of Early 20th-Century Europe

At the turn of the 20th century, Europe was the epicentre of the modern art movement. Paris, in particular, was a hub for innovation, attracting artists from all over the world who sought to challenge conventional boundaries in art. Women, however, faced significant barriers. Despite their obvious talents, they had fewer opportunities for formal training, recognition, or exhibition compared to their male counterparts. As a result, many of the Australian women featured in Dangerously Modern took bold steps to carve out a space for themselves within this tumultuous, rapidly changing art scene.

The exhibition spans several countries, from France to England, Italy, and beyond, showcasing artists who found success in these vibrant, yet challenging, European art markets. For many, Europe represented a world of possibilities, one where they could escape the limitations and expectations of Australian society and truly engage with the progressive ideas of modernism. Figures like Grace Crowley, Margaret Preston, and Ethel Carrick Fox, among others, ventured abroad to study, work, and exhibit their art in major cities like Paris and London, often facing the unique challenges of being women in a male-dominated art world.

Notable Artists and Their Contributions

One of the central figures in the exhibition is Grace Crowley, whose work demonstrates her significant role in bringing modernist ideas to Australia. Crowley’s time in Paris, particularly at the renowned Académie Julian, was formative in shaping her mature style, which combined post-impressionism with a focus on the Australian landscape. She and her contemporaries were often “dangerously modern” not just because of their artistic practices but because their works questioned traditional depictions of gender, identity, and the role of women in society.

Another key artist featured in the exhibition is Margaret Preston, who is now considered one of Australia’s most influential modernist painters. Her time in Europe, especially in Paris, exposed her to European avant-garde movements, but she decided to merge European modernism with an exploration of Australian identity that set her apart. Preston’s work reflected her desire to capture the local character of Australia, blending European artistic techniques with distinctly Australian subject matter, often drawing on the country’s flora and indigenous culture.

Ethel Carrick Fox, an Australian artist who lived in London and Paris, is another prominent figure in the exhibition. Carrick Fox’s bright, vibrant paintings reflect the early 20th-century European fascination with Post-Impressionism and Fauvism, yet they also demonstrate her keen ability to blend a distinctly Australian sensibility with these international movements. Her work is a testament to how Australian artists—especially women—were part of a global conversation that shaped the trajectory of modernism.

Significance and Impact 

The Dangerously Modern exhibition is not only a celebration of these trailblazing women artists but also an opportunity to reconsider the history of modern art from an inclusive perspective. By highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of Australian women, the exhibition challenges the dominant narrative that has long centred on male artists, such as Picasso, Matisse, and Braque. The work of these women is integral to the story of modernism, offering new insights into how women navigated the intersection of art, gender, and politics in the early 20th century.

The exhibition has garnered significant attention for its focus on underrepresented figures, aiming to shine a light on these artists, whose works were often sidelined in favour of more well-known male artists. By displaying their works alongside their male counterparts, the exhibition asserts that these women were not only participants in the modernist movement but were central to its development. The Art Gallery of New South Wales, in particular, has emphasised that this exhibition is an opportunity for contemporary audiences to reconsider the legacy of these artists, whose works were sometimes dismissed as “too modern” or “too experimental” at the time.

Moreover, Dangerously Modern also offers a rich context for contemporary viewers to reflect on how the art world—both in Australia and abroad—has evolved in terms of gender equity. While many of the artists featured in the exhibition faced gendered challenges during their lifetimes, today’s art world is more attuned to these issues. The exhibition is, therefore, not only a historical exploration but also a statement on the ongoing struggle for recognition and equal opportunities for women artists.

A Must-See Event

Dangerously Modern is more than just an art exhibition; it is an important cultural event that reaffirms the significance of Australian women artists in the broader narrative of modern art. By exploring the lives and works of these visionary women who sought success in the heart of Europe’s modernist movement, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the past and encourages a deeper understanding of the diverse contributions that have shaped the history of modern art.

Wrtitten By: Erika Challita
Published: 5th November 2024