SMH: Surprise! The pandemic improved the standard of drawing in Australia

SMH: Surprise! The pandemic improved the standard of drawing in Australia

by Danielle Neely

Article by John McDonald

Events such as the 2021 Dobell Drawing Prize at the National Art School Gallery serve as reminders of the many kinds of activity permitted by an expanded definition of “drawing”. The Dobell Foundation can be pleased with the quality of the 2021 entries, which may be due to the esteem in which this award is held, or simply indicate that artists were able to spend more time in the studio during the pandemic year. There’s nothing more conducive to art than a crisis, and the number of works that refer directly or obliquely to the lockdown suggests the virus has played a significant role in the make-up of this year’s show. It will go down as one of the more unusual side-effects of COVID-19 that it seems to have improved the standard of drawing in Australia

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Image: Catherine O’Donnell, Waiting for the world to reopen (detail), 2020, charcoal on paper, 180 × 97.5 cm, Courtesy the artist and Dominik Mersch Gallery

Don’t miss out! This is your last chance to apply for our BFA degree for 2025. Applications for our final round close Sunday 26 January.

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Jan 23

Don’t miss out! This is your last chance to apply for our BFA degree for 2025. Applications for our final round close Sunday 26 January. Apply now at the link in bio.

Set your child on a creative path with Art Club Term 1 - Drawing.

They’ll spend Tuesday afternoons developing their skills in this drawing fundamentals program that covers still life, portraiture, and experimental drawing.

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Jan 22

Set your child on a creative path with Art Club Term 1 - Drawing. They’ll spend Tuesday afternoons developing their skills in this drawing fundamentals program that covers still life, portraiture, and experimental drawing. Learn more at the link in bio.

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Exhibitions Project Officer - Application Deadline Sunday 2 February

The Exhibitions Project Officer is a member of the NAS Galleries Curatorial Team and provides administrative and operational support to the National Art School’s Galleries exhibition programs. It has a focus on major Indigenous exhibition projects currently in development for the National Art School as well as touring programs. Please note this is part time, three day a week, fixed term contract until 19 December 2025.

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Digital Marketer - Application Deadline Sunday 2 February

The Digital Marketer plays an important role in coordinating the marketing and communication activities that drive degree recruitment, short course attendance, public program participation, exhibition promotion, brand positioning and alumni engagement. You will have a thorough understanding of marketing principles with a focus on digital media channels and e-communications.

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Jan 21

The National Art School is delighted to announce rising multi-disciplinary artist Anna Mould as the first ever winner of a prestigious international artist residency program, the Prudence MacLeod Prize, generously supported by the Lansdowne Foundation, located at Acme Fire Station Studios, London.

Learn more about the prize at the link in bio.

@annalouisemould
@acme.art

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Anna Mould, ‘The Damned, Tambaroora NSW’, 2023, machine embroidery and acrylic on canvas, 50 x 50 cm

Jan 14

The National Art School is delighted to announce rising multi-disciplinary artist Anna Mould as the first ever winner of a prestigious international artist residency program, the Prudence MacLeod Prize, generously supported by the Lansdowne Foundation, located at Acme Fire Station Studios, London. Learn more about the prize at the link in bio. @annalouisemould
@acme.art — Anna Mould, ‘The Damned, Tambaroora NSW’, 2023, machine embroidery and acrylic on canvas, 50 x 50 cm

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Our closure dates are 24 December - 2 January. We look forward to welcoming you back on campus in the new year.

Dec 24

Thank you for supporting the National Art School this year. We wish you a happy festive season. Our closure dates are 24 December - 2 January. We look forward to welcoming you back on campus in the new year.

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Whether your loved one is eager to begin their artistic journey, or they wish to continue learning and making art, a National Art School Gift Card will help them unlock their creative potential.

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Dec 19

This holiday season, give the gift of creativity. Whether your loved one is eager to begin their artistic journey, or they wish to continue learning and making art, a National Art School Gift Card will help them unlock their creative potential. Give a gift that inspires. Buy a National Art School Gift Card today. Learn more at the link in bio.