Fiona Hall

Fiona Hall

This week, our third feature for the On Stillness exhibition is the work of NAS alumna Fiona Hall.

As well as being seduced by the medium of photography, Fiona Hall developed her innate sense of composition during her years as a student at the National Art School. Although she graduated in painting, she spent much of her time documenting her fellow students, the protest marches and the eccentric bands which sprang up at art school. She also explored the empty and dilapidated parts of the former gaol site – areas which had been allowed to fall into disrepair but still displayed a lyrical and enigmatic quality. In the photographs she took in the former governor’s quarters in the 1970s, she captures the reflections on the walls from adjacent windows. Using natural light and black and white photos, Hall creates a dream-like, almost spectral effect. Likewise her self-portrait is back-lit, using reflections and a mirror so that she becomes an outline, hardly there at all.

Fiona Hall_ Window and Stairs 1974
Fiona Hall_ Front entrance, Fashion School building 1974
Fiona Hall_Self portrait, ladies toilets 1974

Images: Fiona Hall AO,
1. Window and stairs 1974
2. Front entrance, fashion school building 1974
3. Self Portrait, ladies toilets 1974
silver gelatin print, 31 x 31 cm (each), from East Sydney Tech Photo Album 1974, handmade album, 39 x 50 cm, National Art School Collection, donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by the artist, 2018 © the artist

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The National Art School is proud to present The Postgrad Show, celebrating the work of our graduating Master of Fine Art (MFA) and Doctor of Fine Art (DFA) students. 

RSVP today to join us for the Opening Night on Thursday 6 November (link in bio)

Opening Night: Thursday 6 November (RSVP link in bio) 
Exhibition dates: 7 – 16 November 2025

Experience a compelling cross-section of contemporary practice through ceramics, drawing, painting, photomedia, printmaking, and sculpture across NAS Galleries, Building 25 Project Space, and artist studios. 

Details about The Grad Show showcasing the work of our graduating BFA cohort will be announced mid-November.
Join our online information session to find out exactly what makes our Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) ideal for emerging artists.

New scholarships will be available to students entering the BFA (Hons), with further details to be shared later this year.
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