Folk and Popular Art in Australia 1788 – 1988
5 Nov 1988 – 5 Mar 1989
About
Most Australians know little about the tradition of folk or popular art in this country and, in the past, these art forms have attracted scant attention in terms of scholarly interest, collections, exhibitions, or publications. In recent years, however, the approach of the Bicentenary celebrations has fostered an increased public awareness of our sometimes humble origins and seemingly less impressive traditions. The rich variety of Australian folk art has now been demonstrated in several exhibitions and publications dedicated to that subject. Folk and Popular Art in Australia, a part of the Australian National Gallery’s exhibition, Australian Decorative Arts 1788 – 1988, is the first exhibition of this kind to be assembled in an Australian art museum, and will significantly further Australians' knowledge and appreciation of their remarkable folk art heritage.