National Art School in the NSW Landscape
This exhibition explores the relationship between people, land and culture in New South Wales. It features artworks by 21 significant Australian artists who studied at the National Art School, and it highlights the importance of artistic expression in informing our understanding of the environment in different regions in NSW.
The selection of artworks celebrates the voices and experiences of First Nations people and the multiplicity of cultures represented in NSW who have given shape to our sense of place over the generations. The variety of artworks on display reflects the incredible diversity of the NSW landscape, encompassing urban, rural, coastal, desert and mountainous locations.
2022 marks a significant milestone for National Art School, 100 years on site and 200 years since the former Darlinghurst Gaol was built. To celebrate the centenary year, an extensive program featuring School’s alumni is underway, including this exhibition, National Art School in the NSW Landscape.
Artists
John Olsen AO, OBE, Margaret Olley AC, Lucy Culliton, Tim Storrier AM, Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher James AO, Guido Maestri, Luke Sciberras, Karla Dickens, Ken Done AM, Elisabeth Cummings, John Coburn, Euphemia Bostock, Kevin Connor, Eliza Gosse, Bronte Leighton-Dore, Fiona Foley, Idris Murphy, Jeffrey Samuels, Guy Warren AM, Michael Johnson, Anne Zahalka
Exhibition dates:
9–31 March 2022
The Fountain Court, Parliament of New South Wales
Monday to Sunday, 9am–5pm
Image Caption:
Margaret Olley
Sydney Harbour from The Rocks, 2009-2011
oil on board, image size: 53.4 x 91.8 cm, frame size: 73.2 x 111.5 cm
Tweed Regional Gallery Collection
Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Andrew Greig, 2017
© Margaret Olley Art Trust
Ever wondered what it’s like studying at the National Art School?
Find out at our Open Day on Saturday 6 September, 10am to 4pm.
Considering art as a career or simply curious about what happens behind the school’s historic sandstone walls? Save the date on Eventbrite (link in bio) to see what life is like for students at NAS by participating in studio demonstrations, chatting to our academic staff and visiting the NAS Gallery and student exhibition spaces across our campus.
Jul 30
Chroma (@chroma_inc) has generously supported our youth outreach programs with a supply of high-quality paints.
Each year, the National Art School welcomes talented young artists to develop their skills in our studios with expert artist educators.
We are thrilled to use Chroma’s A2, Atelier, and Jo Sonia range of paints in our HSC Studio Intensive Program and Art Club this year.
Jul 29
The National Art School was saddened to hear of the recent death of artist and NAS alumnus Bruce Goold (1948-2025).
Born in Newcastle in 1948, from 1961- 65 Bruce attended Sydney Grammar School, where he studied art with ceramicist and potter Gordon McCausland. This was followed by a year at the National Art School, Newcastle. Here he experimented with various mediums and made his first linocut. He then studied at the National Art School, c. 1967-68.
Bruce was a member of the artist collective Yellow House between 1970-72. The former Clune Gallery in Kings Cross was transformed by Martin Sharp and a group of fellow artists, who painted the exterior bright yellow and covered its internal walls with murals, portraits and decoration. Artists such as Brett Whiteley, Peter Wright, Bruce Goold, Greg Weight and Peter Kingston turned the building into an artwork, while visiting bands and celebrities made it a regular fixture of the Sydney scene.
Known principally as a printmaker, Goold created coloured linocuts and woodblocks including many images of Australian flora and fauna, as well as South Pacific inspired esoteric and symbolic subjects. He held solo exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne and internationally in London and Ireland. He received major commissions for poster, logo and interior design and worked as a designer for Mambo from 1992.
A retrospective exhibition, Bruce Goold, Artist, Designer, Printmaker, curated by Therese Kenyon, was held at Manly Art Gallery & Museum in 2008.
The National Art School extends its sympathies to Bruce’s family and many friends.
—
Greg Weight, `Bruce Goold`, 1998, NAS Collection
Jul 28
BFA3 Ceramics students opened their new exhibition `Answer` at the NAS Library Stairwell gallery yesterday.
The exhibition features work from @liceylover, @ari_lahiri, @bbeth.mp4, @bonkzito, @nature.girle, @caity_gal, @damian.sawyers, @danaetsap_, @darcy_phelan, @jasmine.greenwood, @janet_jiahui_wu, Mary Bradhurst, @meljheyart, @paigehottwagner and @soph.shep.
The Library Stairwell Gallery is a dedicated space in the Library for NAS student exhibitions. BFA 2, BFA 3 and MFA students are eligible to apply to have a show in the Gallery. Follow @nas_library for forthcoming exhibition opening details.
Jul 25
Got a young artist at home?
Art Club Term 3 is now open for enrolment — and we’ve got an exciting painting program lined up. This term, kids will explore styles like Expressive Acrylics and Contemporary Watercolour, all while building their confidence and creativity.
Monday afternoons, led by artist and educator Grant Bellamy.
Visit the link in bio to learn more and enrol.
Jul 17
Thank you to everyone who attended the opening night and weekend celebrations for The Neighbour at the Gate.
The Neighbour at the Gate is now open until Saturday 18 October 2025
11am – 5pm Monday to Saturday
NAS Gallery
Free admission, all welcome
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
Jul 15
