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
Final call! This is your last chance to apply for our BFA degree for 2026.
Applications close 29 January.
Apply now 🔗 in bio.
Jan 12
Join us from 6–9pm on Thursday 22 January for the opening of SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art.
Featuring Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau & TAVEN
RSVP 🔗 in bio.
Presented as part of @sydney_festival.
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Sidney Nolan, ‘Untitled’, 1983, spray can enamel on canvas, Nolan Collection, managed by Canberra Museum and Gallery on behalf of the Australian Government
Jan 9
Marking 20 years of the National Art School Gallery, we are thrilled to share this year`s program of ambitious group and solo exhibitions that foster critical appreciation and innovative art practice.
SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
17 January – 11 April
Opening: Thurs 22 January, 6pm
Bringing together over thirty of Australia`s most dynamic artists united by one charged medium: spray paint, presented as part of @sydney_festival.
QUEER CONTEMPORARY
Liz Bradshaw: I didn`t expect to live this long
13 February – 7 March
Opening: Thurs 12 February, 6pm
Experience a large-scale sculpture and installation by NAS alum Liz Bradshaw as part of @sydneymardigras.
Mitch Cairns: Artist`s Mouth
1 May – 11 July
Opening: Thurs 30 April, 6pm
Presented with the @instituteofmodernart, the largest and most comprehensive exhibition by Sydney-based artist and NAS alum Mitch Cairns.
Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste
31 July – 25 October
Opening: Thurs 30 July, 6pm
Celebrating the legacy of NAS alum and one of Australia`s most beloved painters, Margaret Olley AC.
The Postgrad Show
6–15 November
The Grad Show
4–13 December
Full program 🔗 in bio.
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Howard Arkley, `Triple fronted`, 1987, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mollie and Jim Gowing Bequest Fund 2014 © The Estate of Howard Arkley, courtesy Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales
Jan 8
Step into the studios these school holidays with Art Club Intensive for ages 15–17.
Led by experienced artist-educators, these focused 3-day workshops provide a supportive space for students to develop their skills and gain an immersive introduction to the disciplines taught at NAS.
7–9 & 14–16 January
On campus
Book via 🔗 in bio
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Photos: Peter Morgan
Dec 23
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) scholarships!
Amirah Rachwani | Alumni Advancement Scholarship
supported by Ian Neil SC
Cristelle Cabrera | Baxter Marr Scholarship
supported by Annabel Baxter and David Marr
Ziggy Grana | Perry Foundation Art Scholarship
supported by the R&J Perry Family Foundation
Launched this year, these scholarships provide financial assistance and creative opportunities for students undertaking the new BFA (Hons) degree in 2026.
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Portraits: @soybased_snack
Dec 22
Save on Summer School 2026 short courses!
Enrol online before Monday 15 December 2025 to receive 10% off.
Designed for students of all levels and led by professional artist-educators, these focused five-day courses build practical skills, confidence and creative thinking across a range of disciplines.
Learn more 🔗 in bio
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Photos: Peter Morgan
Dec 13
