Review of the NGV’s She-Oak and Sunlight

Australian Impressionism and its exploration of ‘A Longer History’ - First Nations histories and art

Abstract

She-Oak and Sunlight: Australian Impressionism was an exhibition held at the National Gallery of Victoria Australia (hereafter NGV), 2 April – 22 August 2021. The exhibition, guest curated by Dr Anne Gray AM and the NGV Australian Art Department, brought together over 250 artworks. While the exhibition highlights the work of Australia’s most eminent Impressionists, it provides a critical lens to the centring of this work in national mythology, highlighting the work of previously underrepresented painters, including female and First Nations artists.