Inside the Collection

Arts

Installation view Utterance by Lawrence English

Nightingales, Sirens, Ventriloquists and Gramophones: This is a Voice

September 6, 2017

Katie Dyer
Plutarch (b. 46 CE) tells the story of a man who plucks the feathers from a Nightingale and on finding nothing more than a scrawny body not worth eating, exclaims ‘You are a voice and nothing more.’ The power and potency of the voice, in this case, the human voice, is the focus of the exhibition This is a Voice which opened at the Powerhouse Museum on August 10.
View of Icons exhibition at MAAS

Artist Albert Namitjira born on this day 115 years ago

July 28, 2017

Anne-Marie Van de Ven
As part of our tribute to Black History Month, we acknowledge that on this day, 115 years ago, celebrated Western Arrernte-speaking Australian Aboriginal artist Albert Namitjira (1902-1959), was born at Hermannsburg, Northern Territory.
Photograph of the Moon 1899-1930.

Microgravity – A small exhibition

July 5, 2017

Andrew Jacob
In late 2016 the exhibition Gravity (and Wonder) explored the human fascination with gravity, space and time through scientific investigations and artistic explorations. In a partnership between Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences curators Dr Lee-Anne Hall and Katie Dyer developed a three month program of events & workshops to support the exhibition.
Rover Thomas' Australian Flag Artwork 1996

Collection: celebrating culture

July 3, 2017

Anne-Marie Van de Ven
During 2017, we reflect on two key milestones in the journey of reconciliation - 50 years since the 1967 Referendum, and 25 years since the historic Mabo Decision. Held in the first week of July every year, NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia.
Photograph of Lucille Dupain

Hollywood Glamour

April 11, 2017

Kathy Hackett
This photograph by Max Dupain (22 Apr 1911 - 27 Jul 1992), signed and dated 1936, is from the archive of Madame Louise Lamoureux, who ran a Sydney fashion house specialising in embroidery and hand-beading.
New Year picture, ‘Joyful celebration for the abundant harvest (Xiqingfengshou)'

Chinese New Year pictures & propaganda posters

January 25, 2017

Min-Jung Kim
In celebration of the Lunar New Year (28 January 2017), I have curated a small group of Chinese New Year pictures and propaganda posters. The brightly coloured posters portray elements of Chinese political visual culture.
Photograph negative, children's clothing fashion shoot Luna Park

A Sydney Icon: Fashion at Luna Park

October 5, 2016

Anne-Marie Van de Ven
  Whenever asked ‘when, where and what’ to visit in Sydney, we know the answer: the Opera House with her pure white sails lit in moonlight and of course, our iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge that sparkles beautifully every New Year’s Eve.
Photograph of Cotton dress

Julia Johnston – a sassy first generation colonial gal

January 27, 2016

Rebecca Evans
Frocks may seem rather innocuous but dress was essential in the creation of colonial Australia. In the 19th century, appropriate attire was a marker of respectability and an expression of status, wealth and beliefs.
Photograph of New Belmore Markets

Sydney’s Capitol Theatre – a century of entertainment

December 29, 2015

Margaret Simpson
Have you ever wondered why the Capitol Theatre in Sydney's Haymarket is such a strange design? It was originally a fruit and veggie market! 2016 marks the theatre’s 100th birthday. What a century it’s been, filled with performing seals, elephants, mermaids and now the von Trapp children.
Gittoes in the Yellow House Puppet Theatre

George Gittoes collection

November 10, 2015

Anne-Marie Van de Ven
This evening, George Gittoes receives the 2015 Sydney Peace Prize award and presents the annual Sydney Peace Prize lecture in the Sydney Town Hall. This is the first time this Prize, Australia’s only international prize for peace, will be awarded to an artist.