Margaret Preston: Australia's Most Contested Artist?

A new exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria is set to reignite the debate surrounding Australian artist Margaret Preston, featuring over 200 of her works and exploring her contribution to Australian identity. Born in Port Adelaide in 1875, Preston's work was influenced by modernist and abstract movements in Europe, as well as Japanese woodblock prints.

The exhibition, co-curated by Michael Gentle and Beckett Rozentals, includes three long-lost paintings that were tracked down through a public appeal. These pieces, along with over 200 others, take viewers on a journey through Preston's life and work, showcasing her unique style and exploration of Australian identity.

Preston's time at the National Gallery of Victoria Art School in her late teens laid the foundation for her future work. Her painting 'Western Australian Gum Blossom' features a blocky background of creamy rectangles, influenced by modernist and abstract movements. This blend of international influences and Australian themes is a hallmark of Preston's work.

However, Preston's appropriation of Aboriginal art has been a subject of controversy. Her interest in Indigeneity is evident in many of her pieces, but it is also intertwined with her appreciation and appropriation of Aboriginal art. This paradox lies at the heart of the retrospective, which is the first dedicated to Preston in over 20 years.

## Why it matters The exhibition raises important questions about cultural appropriation and the role of artists in shaping national identity. As Australia continues to grapple with its complex history and relationship with its Indigenous people, Preston's work serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing conversation and reflection. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity for viewers to engage with Preston's work and consider the complexities of her legacy.

The National Gallery of Victoria's exhibition is a significant event in the Australian art world, and one that is sure to spark important discussions about art, identity, and culture. With over 200 works on display, including pieces by Preston's peers and contemporary artists responding to her, the show is a must-see for anyone interested in Australian art and history.