I WALK THE LINE: NEW AUSTRALIAN DRAWING
Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney
17 March - 24 May 2009
Despite the frequently heard assertion that 'art schools don't teach drawing these days (hrrumph)', a worldwide resurgence in drawing is undoubtedly being led by a younger generation of artists. One factor may be that it isn't an expensive medium to work in, and Phaidon's impressive 'VITAMIN D' compilation published in 2006, showed an astonishing breadth of practice globally, which is evident in microcosm in Australia. The 29 artists chosen range from young and emergent to moderately well known, and are drawn from all over the country, with a number of NZ artists now resident in Australia.
Purists of the old school (the same ones who claim drawing isn't being taught?) may well shudder at the inclusion of video, performance and sculpture under a very broad definition of drawing, but this adds to the strength and depth of the show. It's about time we had a significant survey of drawing and curator Christine Morrow has done a fine job.
It's hard to name names in such a strong and varied show, but personal faves include Michelle Ussher, Laith McGregor, Patrick Hartigan, Elvis Richardson and the late Cassandra Laing. Among the more established figures are Maria Kontis, James Morrison, Gordon Hookey and Vernon Ah Kee.
The only negative thing that can be said about this exhibition is that we wish there was a lot more of it. It might have been interesting, space permitting, to contrast the 'young and not so young turks' with more venerable figures (such as Godwin Bradbeer) and perhaps included a couple of printmakers. These are small gripes however, go see.
