"This landmark book charts the development of Australian art, from early Aboriginal paintings and those of the early colonial settlers to the work of later immigrants and today's artists that reflects their cultural diverse influences. Spanning over 200 years from 1800 to the present day, this major survey sheds light on an intense period of change in Australian culture and society through such powerful paintings as Sidney Nolan's outlaw Ned Kelly, as well as the highly original work by artists such as Rover Thomas, Tracey Moffatt, Fiona Hall and Vernon Ah Kee. The art of this continent is closely linked to its landscape. Australian artists, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, have long found inspiration in its natural beauty, distinctive light and sheer diversity. By evolving their own responses to the city, the beach and the bush in paintings, prints, drawings, watercolours, bark paintings, photographs and film, they reveal the profound influence of the Australian land and landscape."--Book jacket.

Marking the first major survey of Australian art in the United Kingdom for 50 years, this catalogue spans more than 200 years from 1800 to the present day and seeks to uncover the fascinating social and cultural evolution of a nation through its art. Two hundred works including painting, drawing, photography, watercolours and multimedia will shed light on a period of rapid and intense change; from the impact of colonisation on an indigenous people, to the pioneering nation building of the 19th century through to the enterprising urbanisation of the last 100 years.