Browse the halls of this eclectic and well-presented gallery to see work by 19th-century masters, indigenous artists, European settlers and modern painters.
Enjoy a few hours in a creative space as you view paintings and sculptures and watch digital art displays in the Art Gallery of Western Australia. You will mainly see examples of indigenous Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander and Australian Aboriginal art, but you can also browse famous, and less famous, works from the rest of the world. The gallery was founded in 1895 and its modern building houses the most significant public art collection in the state. Its focus is on art from the Indian Ocean Rim and the state’s proximity to some exciting cultures is reflected in the exhibits. Head to Anything Goes to see work from the early days of contemporary Aboriginal art as well as pop and conceptual art from the 1970s and ’80s. Admire the mesmerizing paintings of pioneer native artist Kaapa Tjampitjinpa from the Papunya region or examine sculptures by Barbara Hepworth.The Here and There gallery displays 19th and early 20th century works. You’ll find anything from watercolor landscapes by the locally celebrated Sir Hans Heysen to sculptures by the world-famous Rodin.Move on to the Many Modernisms exhibit to see works responding to the ideological struggles and social changes of the 20th century, including works by Henry Moore.Check out Expanding Fields for contemporary works dealing with globalization, environmental issues and political struggles. There are abstract paintings, pictures by Australian photographer Max Pam and bizarre but engaging sculptures. You’ll also find video installations and other digital visual art. The gallery also hosts regular special exhibitions that have featured everything from glass and ceramics, paintings by Van Gogh and photographs from New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Check the website for a schedule of what’s on show during your visit. The Art Gallery of Western Australia is in the Perth Cultural Centre in the very heart of the city. Look for the City of Perth Parking signs to find a covered parking lot if you are driving. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and major public holidays. Admission is by donation, but some major exhibits may have a set entrance fee. There’s a café and restaurant on site.
