Mid Century Modernists – Australian Art 1950 – 1970

Course Summary

In this exploration of the Australian art scene during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, we focus on artists who used non-figurative and abstract modes of expression. This was a period in which Australian artists attempted to break free of parochial traditions and engage directly with international artistic trends, while others sought to develop an art that was recognisably Australian. We will consider artists such as Fairweather, Passmore, French, Olsen, Klippel, and several who participated in the landmark ‘Field’ exhibition of 1968.

Delivered by Dr Richard Stone:

Richard has long been intrigued by history and fascinated by human creativity. An extended period of tertiary study produced a Degree in Art History and Music along with Diplomas in Art and Design and in Education, followed by a satisfying 30-year career as a teacher and lecturer in independent schools. Throughout his teaching career, Richard also practised as a painter and photographer and satisfied an urge to travel by developing a program of European study tours. Since the mid-90s, Richard has accompanied more than 20 groups of secondary students and adults to various destinations in search of cultural enlightenment. Richard has been teaching at the CAE since 2016, sharing his enthusiasm for history, literature and the arts through a range of talks.