Australiana: Designing a Nation surveys the iconography of Australiana in art and design through key chapters in our history through to the present day, identifying a distinct tradition that has reflected—and changed with—popular notions of Australian identity and style. Encompassing the rich expressions of culture and connection to Country of First Nations artists and designers, to explorations of national and personal identity by others, Australiana illuminates a local vernacular. Through the use of native materials and motifs, playful remixes of popular culture, and incisive reflections on nationalistic sentiment, the visual language of Australiana celebrates—and interrogates—who we are.

Curated by and presented exclusively at Bendigo Art Gallery in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria, this expansive exhibition showcases works by over 200 artists and designers, including many Australian masterpieces. Spanning the visual and decorative arts as well as photography, illustration, furniture, jewellery, moving image and fashion, this exhibition charts Australia’s social and popular cultural history. Works from The Australiana Fund, the Rennie Ellis Photographic Archive and a new major commission by Kenny Pittock, 100 Ice-creams. A selection of contemporary Australian artists will also be featured, highlights include: Ken Done, Paul McCann, Tony Albert and Romance was Born.

Exhibition organised by Bendigo Art Gallery in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria.

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