B. 1940 – 

Australian artist Vivienne Binns OAM, is a pioneering feminist artist whose practice is strongly based in promoting collaboration and community. Born in Wyong, New South Wales in 1940, Binns attended the National Art School from 1958 to 1962, where she would later take on a teaching role within the drawing department. A leader within the Women’s Art Movement, Binns rebuffed traditional gender ideals of feminine expression, soon creating art that was as daring as it was controversial. Her most famous artwork ‘Vag Dens’ (1967), which has since been acquired by the National Gallery of Australia, was received as profoundly controversial upon its exhibition in 1967 for its audacious depiction of female anatomy and sexuality.

As Binns’ career progressed, she became increasingly interested in community-based art and art education, going on to work as a teacher in many major Australian universities. Her works are held within major private and public art collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the National Gallery of Victoria. 

To read a more in-depth biography of the artist, click here.