Dangerously Modern

Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940

11 October 2025 – 1 February 2026

Explores the art and lives of 50 trailblazing women artists

At the turn of the 20th century, an unprecedented wave of women artists
prevailed against social constraints and left Australia to pursue
international professional careers.

This is the first major exhibition to focus on the vital role of these
Australian women in the emergence of international modernism, including the
now-famous, such as Nora Heysen, Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith,
as well as the still under-recognised, such as CL Allport, Justine Kong Sing
and Stella Marks.

Featuring celebrated and rediscovered paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture
and ceramics, Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940
reclaims the place of these pivotal Australian women artists, recognising
their contribution to the development of European art. They brought new ideas
back to Australia and played an integral, often unrecognised role in
modernising our nation.

With more than 200 works, Dangerously Modern expands our understanding of
modern art movements, including realism, impressionism, post-impressionism,
cubism and abstraction. The works in this show challenge preexisting notions
of ambition and success, and explore colour, light, form and movement.

Book your ticket now and add a unique cultural highlight to your trip to
Sydney.

All public areas inside both buildings can be accessed by ramps and lifts, as
well as stairs and elevators. The Entrance Pavilion in Naala Badu has a gentle
gradient.

The exhibition is open in our original sandstone building Naala Nura, south
building. Enter the building, and make your way to the entrance of the
exhibition on Lower level 2.

Bundle with an Australian Art Stories Tour or lunch at Crafted by Matt Moran
or MOD Dining for the most immersive experience at Art Gallery of New South
Wales.

Exhibition will run from 11 October 2025 – 1 February 2026

Images:

Hilda Rix Nicholas Une Australienne 1926, National Gallery of Australia ©
Bronwyn Wright, Gladys Reynell Pensiveness circa 1913 Art Gallery of South
Australia © Estate of Gladys Reynell, Agnes Goodsir Girl with cigarette c1925,
Bendigo Art Centre, Alison Rehfisch Oranges and lemons c1934. Art Gallery of
New South Wales © Estate of Alison Rehfisch