“There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who, with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into sun.” ~ Pablo Picasso

While the history of modern art begins around 1860 in Europe with some (French) painters like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne to name a few, Australian modern art only rose in 1891 with the creation of the Heidelberg School.

Claude Monet
 Impression, Soleil Levant  (1872)

Pierre-Auguste Renoir - La Grenouillère (1869)

Paul Cézanne - La Montage Sainte-Victoire (1885)

During the guided tour of Heide, there was this one question which kept running through my mind: What is the difference between modern art and contemporary art? I couldn't bring myself to interrupt the passionate talk of Brenda, our guide, but from what I have found on internet, it seems that what distinguishes the two is the idea of experimentation which you can identify in modernism. The contemporary notion was more frequently used to refer to any piece of works produced after WWII.
That is what was happening in Heidelberg School. Experimentation and innovation were happening and new techniques such as impressionist techniques were being used. It marked a seizure of how Australia was once painted. Before, you could hardly tell if you were looking at a landscape painted in England or in Australia. Heidelberg School was like a revolution in art. Finally, what made Australian landscapes so special, notably its harsh light, was depicted for its true worth.
Another major turning point in Australian modern art was the dedication of Sunday and John Reed who opened their home in Bulleen to artists such as Sydney Nolan, Joy Hester or Albert Tucker.  All of them (writers, musicians, and painters) lived together. Every afternoon, they would all meet in the library to drink tea and converse about anything and everything but mainly to share their opinions and thoughts on books, music and art in general.

Sunday, Sweeney and John Reed

Sydney Nolan (who was also Sunday's lover)

Here is a glimpse of some of his famous paintings: the Ned Kelly series!

Albert Tucker and Joy Hester 

Have a look at some of her paintings!

Here is a priceless interview of Albert Tucker, remembering the good old 

days at Heide!

The Heide property is huge. We are talking about 15 acres of heritage listed garden. Nowadays Heide comprises 3 buildings: Heide 1,which was the Reeds’ original house; Heide 2, which was their second house. They always had the intention to sell itas a national art gallery. That’s why the architecture is modern and suitable for such a plan; and finally, Heide 3, which was built later to house the museum.

While wandering through the park, I had the chance to admire some wonderful and enigmatic sculptures as well as a sumptuous vegetable garden and magnificent trees. The overall atmosphere was so peaceful and relaxing. This visit was definitely worth it. I learnt a lot about a topic which I’m not an expert on and really had an amazing time. I will come back for sure. 

Here is a brief virtual tour of the Heide Museum of Modern Art! Surely, it will make you want to come!! 

ART is everywhere in Australia! All you have to do is look around! Here are some pictures I took while I was travelling around Australia before starting uni!