john brack retrospective exhibition at national gallery of victoria

‘collins st, 5p.m.’ 1955 by john brack oil on canvas 114.6 x 162.9 cm © national gallery of victoria, melbourne – purchased 1956

opening on april 24th at the national gallery of victoria is the first john brack retrospective exhibition to be held in more than twenty years. the exhibition will survey the artist’s complete oeuvre, incorporating paintings and works on paper from all of his major series and including pictures such as the bar 1954 and collins st., 5 p.m. 1955, now regarded as some of the most iconic images of 20th century australian art.

john brack was an artist known for his paintings of modern australian life. unlike his peers of the time he painted neither myth or mystery but he focused on the landscape of suburbia rather than australian nature.

‘what I paint most is what interests me most, that is, people; the human condition, in particular the effect on appearance of environment and behaviour … a large part of the motive … is the desire to understand, and if possible, to illuminate … ‘ – john brack

the exhibition will be on view until august 09.

‘man in pub’ 1953 by john brack oil on canvas 28.0 x 50.8 cm australia 1920–1999 private collection, melbourne © helen brack

‘latin american grand final’ 1969 by john brack oil on canvas 167.5 x 205.0 cm national gallery of australia, canberra – purchased, 1981 © helen brack