The exhibition For Auld Lang Syne: Images of Scottish Australia from First Fleet to Federation is now on at the Art Gallery of Ballarat until July 27.
Keeley Halswelle 'The Heart of the Coolins', 1886, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria
About the Exhibition
For Auld Lang Syne brings together artworks and objects from across Australia and overseas to mark the extraordinary contribution by the Scots to the cultural, social and political life of this nation.
Throughout the nineteenth century the Scottish impact on Australia was profound. Scots contributed to the exploration of the continent, set up schools, estbalished businesses, and were influential in medicine and the arts. The connections between Scotland and Australia are still strong today with one-in-five Australians claiming Scottish heritage.
‘The exhibition takes the viewer on a journey from First Fleet to Federation, delving into details such as fashion, sport, high art and whiskey and bringing all manner of curious stories to the surface.’ Gordon Morrison, Director Art Gallery of Ballarat.
‘The exhibition seeks to enrich our understanding of this country’s colonial past, especially that period’s art and visual culture, by concentrating on the contribution of a particular dynamic section of Australia’s populace – the Scottish migrants. As curators, we have been fascinated by the complex networks of creativity and patronage that emerged as we investigated the various individuals, families and organisations that made up Scottish Australia in the nineteenth century.’ Curators Alison Inglis and Patrician Tryon Macdonald
The exhibition is curated by Dr Alison Inglis, Associate Professor, Art History Program, University of Melbourne and Patricia Tryon Macdonald, curator of the exhibition Exiles and Emigrants, Epic Journeys to Australia in the Victorian Era, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne (2005-2006).
The exhibition will be accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue that will include essays by leading scholars on aspects of the Scottish presence in Australia.
There will also be a schedule of public and education programs.
For Auld Lang Syne: Images of Scottish Australia from First Fleet to Federation runs from Friday 11 April to Sunday 27 July 2014, at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.
Opening hours and ticket prices are available on the gallery website www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au