Review
Opinion
Spectrum
Master or monster: The artist equally loathed and revered
Call it charisma, presence or personal magnetism. Paul Gauguin had it in abundance.
- by John McDonald
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Opinion
Opinion
Do we care about the Archibald Prize too much?
The best interpretation one may put upon this phenomenon is that it’s a bit of fun, but it is a worrisome trend because the prize becomes the public standard by which art is judged.
- by John McDonald
This is a monumental exhibition worthy of its monumental subject
Pharaoh – the British Museum’s largest-ever loan exhibition – is quite exceptional. A monumental subject has brought forth a monumental feat of exhibition design.
- by John McDonald
Opinion
Archibald Prize
Archibald winner’s style perfectly matched to subject Tim Winton
The win signifies a return to the quaint, old-fashioned notion that a portrait should be a good likeness.
- by John McDonald
Two of Australia’s great artists lead exhibition full of echoes
Cutting Through Time explores affinities between Cressida Campbell, Margaret Preston, and Japanese printmakers.
- by John McDonald
It’s a gas! Laughs and gasps fill the Regal for this smart update of a classic play
A clever and subtle reworking of Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 psychological thriller that gave us the term gaslighting makes for an entertaining night of theatre.
- by Mark Naglazas
Artist’s iconic images still feel as fresh as the day they were made
Once seen, Sally Robinson’s works are never forgotten.
- by John McDonald
All sizzle but no substance: An art critic’s take on King Charles’ portrait
At first glance I thought the palace was on fire, with Charles looking strangely pleased as he was engulfed in flames.
- by John McDonald
Mona Lisa, where are you? In Lecco, as it turns out
A mash-up of geology and art history has allowed a geologist to pinpoint the likely setting for one of the world’s most famous paintings.
- by Ali Watkins
Hedonist or intellectual? The MCA’s new exhibition will sort you out
In A World Undone, Nicholas Mangan tackles the big issues of our time with a formidable intelligence but with a dry sense of aesthetics.
- by John McDonald
These two art exhibitions take contrary approaches to depicting history
Where the works of William Kentridge only asks questions, the Sydney Biennale provides ready-made answers.
- by John McDonald