Volume One: MCA Collection

By Carrie Miller

In March this year the Museum of Contemporary Art reopened after a $30 million renovation and extension that has enabled it to dedicate an entire floor to the permanent display of works from its collection. The first exhibition, Volume One: MCA Collection, features the work of more than 170 Australian artists acquired since the MCA was founded more than 20 years ago.

This show offers a snapshot of local contemporary art practice over that time, tracking the historical movement from the dominance of painting to the current trend for video art. And in a smart curatorial move, the work of Aboriginal and Torres Islander artists is integrated with that of non-indigenous artists.

Some of Australia’s most successful and important artists are represented in this display of the museum’s collection. From the iconic photographic series by Tracey Moffatt to Ricky Swallow’s bronze objects to Shaun Gladwell’s video work, Volume One: MCA Collection shows off Australia’s art stars from the 80s until now, as well as some of the lesser known practitioners whose work is equally important in the bigger picture of Australian art history.

This isn’t a show curated for art world insiders; it’s an exhibition that will engage anyone interested in looking at contemporary art.

Until March, 2013

MCA, The Rocks

http://www.mca.com.au/

Pic Credit: Courtesy the artist & the MCA