Australian Art
Art in Australia was first created in prehistoric times by the native Aboriginals most commonly known as cave paintings (above), these petroglyphs, paintings and rock art can be found all over the country (Indigenous Art). These Aboriginal cave paintings are known as the longest lived practice of art in the world dating back nearly 30,000 years (Indigenous Collection). They can be found at many national parks from Uluru to Kakadu to Sydney to Kimberley (Hughes, 1966).
A few well known artists include: Margaret Preston is known for combining the audacity of contemporary art with the heritage of Aboriginal art. Her works between 1920-1940 are most recognized (Seivl, 1988). Sydney Parkinson was a botanical illustrator who was on James Cook’s voyage to Australia who sketched native peoples, nature and the surroundings (de Bray, 2001). Most notably, his drawing of a platypus was turned down upon his return to Europe, they couldn’t believe such a strange creature existed (McCulloch). John Peter Russell was an impressionist painter who liked to capture beach scenes (Galbally, 1988). Bertram Mackennal is a sculptor who was most famous works depicted the Greek Gods and Goddesses featured in legendary stories (Smith, 2001). Some famous Australian works include: Bertram Mackennal, The Tragedy Enveloping Comedy sculpture (1906); Agnes Goodsir, A Letter from the Front/Girl on the Couch (1915); Hans Heysen, Cattle Drinking (1915); Walter Burley Griffin, Preliminary Plan for Canberra (1924); Will Longstaff, Menin Gate at Midnight (1927); Francois-Leon Sicard, Archibald Fountain (1932); John Peter Russell, Boys on the Beach (1990); Max Dupain, Sunbaker (1937); Tom Bass, Research sculpture (1956); Bert Flugelman, Cones (1976-1982); Leonard French, Regeneration (1972); Clifton Pugh, The Hon E G Whitlam (1972); Steve Cox, Study of Harry (2003); Makinti Napanagka, Rocks at Lupulunga (2000) (Payes, 2007).
A few well known artists include: Margaret Preston is known for combining the audacity of contemporary art with the heritage of Aboriginal art. Her works between 1920-1940 are most recognized (Seivl, 1988). Sydney Parkinson was a botanical illustrator who was on James Cook’s voyage to Australia who sketched native peoples, nature and the surroundings (de Bray, 2001). Most notably, his drawing of a platypus was turned down upon his return to Europe, they couldn’t believe such a strange creature existed (McCulloch). John Peter Russell was an impressionist painter who liked to capture beach scenes (Galbally, 1988). Bertram Mackennal is a sculptor who was most famous works depicted the Greek Gods and Goddesses featured in legendary stories (Smith, 2001). Some famous Australian works include: Bertram Mackennal, The Tragedy Enveloping Comedy sculpture (1906); Agnes Goodsir, A Letter from the Front/Girl on the Couch (1915); Hans Heysen, Cattle Drinking (1915); Walter Burley Griffin, Preliminary Plan for Canberra (1924); Will Longstaff, Menin Gate at Midnight (1927); Francois-Leon Sicard, Archibald Fountain (1932); John Peter Russell, Boys on the Beach (1990); Max Dupain, Sunbaker (1937); Tom Bass, Research sculpture (1956); Bert Flugelman, Cones (1976-1982); Leonard French, Regeneration (1972); Clifton Pugh, The Hon E G Whitlam (1972); Steve Cox, Study of Harry (2003); Makinti Napanagka, Rocks at Lupulunga (2000) (Payes, 2007).
Australian Music
Australian music tastes are very similar to Americans, on the Take 40 website for hit music in Australia, the top 5 most played songs were by familiar names, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift (take40.com). Some recognizable artists include Olivia Newton-John, Keith Urban, and Kylie Minogue. A lot of music is found online, or in traditional multimedia stores also the use of radio and mobile radio applications are abundant.