EXHIBITION: THE FIELD

The idea of the “death of painting” pops up all the time these days in the visual arts, but in Melbourne 1968, at a time of turbulent politics, the threat was made real for many with an exhibition called The Field. The Art Gallery of NSW has pulled from its endless vaults six of the paintings originally displayed in the exhibition. They are by influential but not well known artists such as James Doolin, Michael Johnson and John Peart. Looking at the artworks 41 years later, they are no longer shocking but beautiful, mesmerising and surprisingly affecting. It’s an exciting opportunity to see works rarely on display, and great to see them being presented in the context of the exhibition in which they caused such a stir. Don’t forget to see the Exhibition Talk with the curator, Natalie Wilson 16 September, at 5.30pm.

Until Nov 29, Art Gallery of New South Wales, The Domain, 9225 1700 or artgallery.nsw.gov.au/

BY CLARE TESTONI