Behind the Glass: First Rehang of TarraWarra Museum of Art’s Visible Art Storage

Coinciding with The City Wakes, The City Sleeps, TarraWarra Museum of Art’s visible art storage, located in the new adjacent Eva and Marc Besen Centre, will undergo its first major re-hang since the Centre’s inauguration, to feature trailblazing women artists from Australia. Australian artist Erica McGilchrist (who is featured in the new hang) once commented, “There can be no holistic view of history – or of art – if the perspectives of women are omitted” (in Erica McGilchrist: for the record, edited by Linda Short, 2019).

The Museum’s Curator, James Lynch, and Assistant Curator, Emma Nixon, have brought together groundbreaking yet little-known achievements of modern artists, such as Constance Stokes and Erica McGilchrist, alongside the internationally recognised hybrid human/animal sculptures of Patricia Piccinini. This display centres the pivotal role women have played in the development of modern and contemporary art in Naarm/Melbourne and across Australia.

Featured artists include Davida Allen, Yvonne Audette, Kate Beynon, Angela Brennan, Virginia Cuppaidge, Janet Dawson, Lesley Dumbrell, Rosalie Gascoigne, Melinda Harper, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Hillary Mais, Mandy Martin, Erica McGilchrist, Susan Norrie, Margaret Preston, Angelina Pwerle, Vivienne Shark le Witt, Aida Tomescu, Michelle Ussher and Jenny Watson.

Brought together, these works highlight a desire for recognition, change, and to reinsert the voices of women artists in the historical narrative.

Curator at TarraWarra Museum of Art, James Lynch says: “Through the glass walls of our innovative visible art storage facility, visitors can explore the profound legacy and compelling narratives of Australia’s women artists. It is a privilege to present these remarkable artists, who have fundamentally shaped and enriched our understandings of modern and contemporary art.”

Assistant Curator at TarraWarra Museum of Art, Emma Nixon says: “It is wonderful to trace the history of Australian art from the early twentieth century to contemporary times, through the lens of these incredible women artists. We are very honoured to celebrate their work in our first Behind The Glass rehang of the Eva and Marc Besen Centre. Visitors will also enjoy seeing sculptural works in the storage shelves and selected landscape paintings by some of Australia’s leading modern artists.”

Book your tour or become a Member to enjoy free entry to exhibitions, access to Members-only events, discounts on Museum programs and partner offers, exclusive access to the Research Library, and a discounted Visible Art Storage tour.