The National 4: Australian Art Now

2023

Visual Arts

Artist/s:

Isabel & Alfredo Aquilizan with the Fruitjuice Factori Studio (QLD/Philippines) 
Brook Andrew (NSW/VIC) 
Christopher Bassi (QLD) 
Lynda Draper (NSW) 
Jumaadi (NSW/Indonesia) 
Shivanjani Lal (NSW) 
Julian Martin (VIC) 
Yabini Kickett artist project with Sharyn Egan and Ilona McGuire (WA) 

The National is a biennial survey of contemporary Australian art. ‘The National 4: Australian Art Now’ brought together 48 new artists projects involving more than 80 artists across Country, generations and communities. A partnership between four leading Sydney cultural institutions: the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre (CAC), Carriageworks and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia).

From complex large-scale installation to miniature paintings, ‘The National 4’ invited a dynamic group of artists and collectives from across the country  to explore shared themes such as intergenerational learning and connectedness, language, narrative and the role of the artist in the 21st century. Through an organic dialogue across institutions, this year’s cohort of artists create space for reflection, listening and exchange, and tell the vibrant story of Australia’s contemporary art landscape.