Contributions and Legacy
Grace Cossington Smith was among painters such as Roland Wakelin and Roy de Maistre in influencing Australian culture and art in the 20th century. Modern Australian art developed alongside the technological advancements of the interwar period. As one of few artists, let alone women, who could travel to Europe and immerse themselves in modern and post-impression art, she made immense contributions to art in Australia.
The Harbour Bridge stood as a symbol of the country and urban development, and acted as the subject of Smith's most iconic painting. The rest of the city of Sydney was her focus for many years, as seen is paintings of the buildings, people and streets of the time.
Her artworks are intimate insights of Australian history. She painted through both World Wars, depicting public events and the impact of these conflicts on everyday Australians. Between the wars, she portrayed the excitement and fast-pace of urban life with vibrant colours and dramatic forms. Smith's illustrations of Sydney's suburbs and nature are a documentation of her own life and those of the people living around her. Through her paintings, we can see a city and atmosphere captured with dynamic brushstrokes.
As one of the most popular and recognised Australian painters of the 20th century, Smith's work put Australian culture on the world stage at the same time that art became more easily universally-accessible. Her depictions were reflections of Australia's citizens. Although she led a very quiet life, Grace Cossington Smith contributed to the existence of modern Australian art and promoted a sense of national pride and achievement.
Her paintings are still exhibited today, and her artworks are included in visual art curriculums across Australia. Smith's most iconic works are currently on display at the "Sydney Moderns" exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. These paintings are credited as Australia's first post-impressionist works, and Smith herself as bringing modernism to Australia. Alongside Margaret Preston, she was a pioneer for successful women in Australian art.
Her recognition on these terms, awards from Britain and Australia and continuing exhibitions are evidence that Grace Cossington Smith continues as an influential personality in our society, and certainly during the interwar period.
The six paintings below include some of her most iconic and influential. They each display very different times in her career and her varying use of colour, form and light to paint Australia.
The Harbour Bridge stood as a symbol of the country and urban development, and acted as the subject of Smith's most iconic painting. The rest of the city of Sydney was her focus for many years, as seen is paintings of the buildings, people and streets of the time.
Her artworks are intimate insights of Australian history. She painted through both World Wars, depicting public events and the impact of these conflicts on everyday Australians. Between the wars, she portrayed the excitement and fast-pace of urban life with vibrant colours and dramatic forms. Smith's illustrations of Sydney's suburbs and nature are a documentation of her own life and those of the people living around her. Through her paintings, we can see a city and atmosphere captured with dynamic brushstrokes.
As one of the most popular and recognised Australian painters of the 20th century, Smith's work put Australian culture on the world stage at the same time that art became more easily universally-accessible. Her depictions were reflections of Australia's citizens. Although she led a very quiet life, Grace Cossington Smith contributed to the existence of modern Australian art and promoted a sense of national pride and achievement.
Her paintings are still exhibited today, and her artworks are included in visual art curriculums across Australia. Smith's most iconic works are currently on display at the "Sydney Moderns" exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. These paintings are credited as Australia's first post-impressionist works, and Smith herself as bringing modernism to Australia. Alongside Margaret Preston, she was a pioneer for successful women in Australian art.
Her recognition on these terms, awards from Britain and Australia and continuing exhibitions are evidence that Grace Cossington Smith continues as an influential personality in our society, and certainly during the interwar period.
The six paintings below include some of her most iconic and influential. They each display very different times in her career and her varying use of colour, form and light to paint Australia.