Australian women artists have played a pivotal role in the evolution of abstract art, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and influencing future generations.
Groundbreaking figures like Grace Crowley, who brought the principles of cubism and abstraction from Europe to Australia, laid the groundwork for contemporary abstract art in this country. Yvonne Audette, with her bold compositions and textured surfaces bridged European avant-garde movements with Australian sensibilities, enriching the local art scene. Helen Maudsley, known for her intellectually rigorous and symbolically rich artworks, has continued this legacy, creating deeply layered compositions that challenge and engage art lovers. Together, these artists have not only expanded the possibilities of abstraction but have also established a rich, dynamic dialogue within the Australian art sphere, highlighting the vital contributions of women in shaping modern art as we know it today.
Grace Crowley (1890-1979)
Grace Crowley was an influential artist renowned for her pioneering contributions to modernism and abstraction in Australia. Born in New South Wales, Crowley studied under prominent artists in both Australia and Europe, including André Lhote and Albert Gleizes in Paris. Crowley became a key figure in the development of abstract art in her homeland, co-founding the Contemporary Art Society of Sydney in 1939.
Crowley’s work is vibrant in her use of colour and geometric forms, reflecting her deep engagement with the principles of cubism and abstraction. Her impact on abstract art was profound; she was among the first Australian artists to fully embrace non-representational art, challenging traditional artistic norms and inspiring her contemporaries to explore new artistic expressions. Crowley’s legacy is celebrated for her role in advancing contemporary art, her innovative approach to abstraction, and her mentorship of future generations of Australian artists.
A selection of Grace Crowley’s works are now on display in the exhibition Grace Crowley & Ralph Balson at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, until 22 September.
Yvonne Audette (born 1930)
Yvonne Audette is a prominent Australian abstract artist whose innovative work has significantly influenced the evolution of abstract art in Australia. Born in Sydney, Audette studied at the National Art School before moving to Europe in the 1950s, where she immersed herself in the vibrant post-war art scene, particularly in Italy and Spain. Her exposure to European avant-garde movements profoundly shaped her artistic style, which is characterised by dynamic compositions, bold use of colour, and textured surfaces. Audette’s abstract works are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical prowess.
Returning to Australia in the 1960s, she played a crucial role in promoting abstraction, influencing a new generation of artists through both her practice and teachings. Audette’s contributions to this art movement are recognised for their originality and their role in bridging European and Australian artistic traditions.
Helen Maudsley (born 1927)
Helen Maudsley is known for her intricate abstract artworks. Born in Melbourne, Maudsley trained at the National Gallery School and developed a unique visual language using complex interplays of form, colour, and symbolism. Her paintings often explore themes of perception, memory, and the human experience, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the layered meanings and connections within her compositions.
Over her extensive career, Maudsley, who is ninety-seven years old, has had a significant influence on the Australian art scene, not only through her distinctive body of work but also as an educator and mentor to younger artists. Her contributions to abstract art are celebrated for their depth, originality, and enduring impact on contemporary artistic practice in Australia.
By Amanda North, Art Specialist
Top Image: Helen Maudsley (born 1927), Our Dream. In the Darkened. Concealed. Uncondoned 2004 $800-1,200
July 2024