Australia at the Venice Biennale

Since the early 1900s, Australian artists have gathered in Europe to embrace new forms and expand their horizons. For over a century, a legacy of bold Australian art in Venice has been continued by some of the biggest names in the art community, including Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale and Howard Arkley. At this event, we reflect on the origins of the Venice Biennale, the evolution of Australian art, and our enduring love affair with this career-defining exhibition.

Employing her documentary filmmaking skills and passion for art history, Chair of Australia at the Venice Biennale Kerry Gardner AM presents an illuminating history of Australia’s involvement in this seminal exhibition.

Then, she is joined by artist Patricia Piccinini, known for her Skywhale family and other hyperreal artworks that explore what it means to be human among the innovation and speed of modern technology and culture. Piccinini, in conversation with Gardner and host Richard Watts, discusses the firsthand experience of having her exhibition We Are Family being chosen to represent Australia at the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003.

Australia at the Venice Biennale was recorded in April 2022.