‘Across her extensive career, Margaret Preston developed a public profile with a clearly articulated agenda to formulate a uniquely “Australian” art. Yet, unlike the colonial-era ambitions of groups such as the Australian Impressionists, with their romanticised pastoral landscapes, Preston’s project of cultural synthesis was neither singular nor stable.’

Words by Beckett Rozentals and Michael Gentle

Beckett Rozentals explores the work of contemporary First Nations artists who have responded to Margaret Preston’s legacy as part of the exhibition Margaret Preston.

Words by Beckett Rozentals

One of the most ravishing jewels in the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® 2026: CARTIER exhibition is not a tiara or necklace worn by a princess, famous society beauty or Hollywood actress, but a jewel designed to be worn by a maharaja.

Words by Dr Miranda Wallace

‘As he reviewed his work, he thought that this picture showed his strengths as an artist, that you didn’t need to see a picturesque scene of the local landscape. He wanted it to be the essence of the bush and what he thought was so Australian about it.’

Words by Ewan McEoin

‘Paired with the 1959 Labia dress, Look 8 makes a powerful statement that underlines the rich and ongoing connections between the archives of heritage fashion houses and the creative directors of the present day.’

Words by Katie Somerville

‘I aim to pitch my images just off the verge of normality, into those dense patches where the commonplace goes awry’ – Australian artist Pat Brassington

Words by Elisa Scarton