Let it all hang out: Australian Art of the 70s
Saturday, June 18, 2011 -
Sunday, August 07, 2011,
-
Admission: Free
What do the 1970s mean to you? An illicit Marlboro down the back
of the bus or your first joint in the back of a panel van? Going on
an anti Vietnam war demo? Bell bottom jeans and romper stompers?
Maintaining your rage in 75? Your first Skyhooks concert?
If you were there, you will have your own particular memories.
If you weren't, you'll at least have images of big hair and fast
cars.
It goes without saying that Art was Big in the 70s. It was an
era of enormous social and political change and the visual artists
were key to the expression of the spirit of the times.
As the world woke up from the complacent conservatism of the
post-war era, personal became political and everything was
scrutinised for its political stance and implications. Art which
wasn't overtly political was often dismissed as naively
conservative.
Artists were also taking stock of what art meant, what it stood
for, even what it was. A move to figurative art allowed them to
express opinions on big issues - as well as sex drugs and
rock'n'roll.
Let it All Hang Out brings together a diverse
collection of works that are humorous, confronting, unusual, and of
course political.