Our newest exhibition ‘A Seat at the Table’ celebrates the women who made room for themselves - and for those who would follow - in the evolving story of Australian art. Opening with Thea Proctor’s ‘The Spotted Jug’ (1925), painted just over a century ago, what unfolds is a vivid, contemporary conversation. Alive with the voices of artists, including Mary Barton and Nora Wompi, this exhibition is an exploration of what it means to be a woman in the world of art.
Thea Proctor 'The Spotted Jug'
Set around an antique Japanese dining table, the gallery becomes a place of gathering. Works are salon-hung - layered and in dialogue - mirroring the conversational rhythm of shared stories around a meal. Here, the act of looking becomes communal. Each artwork contributes to a larger exchange, where histories overlap and new understandings emerge.
Nora Wompi 'Untitled (Kunawarritji)'
Tanya Hoddinott 'On the Beach'
Six years ago, the National Gallery of Australia’s landmark exhibition ‘Know My Name’ examined the historical exclusion of women from Australia’s art history, bringing long-overdue recognition to many significant yet underacknowledged voices. Building on this legacy, A Seat at the Table continues and deepens that conversation - honouring both history and momentum.
Evie Cahir 'First Tulips of the Season'
Mary Barton 'Darling, Darling, Darling'
Bringing together influential modernists with a new generation of contemporary artists, the exhibition offers a thoughtful dialogue across time. These works revisit established narratives, introduce new perspectives, and invite collectors to reflect on - and perhaps evolve - their own collections.
Karima Baadilla 'Gramoire Book'
Take a seat with these women - cool, composed, and collected.
We look forward to welcoming you.
