Packsaddle Lecture: John McDonald
September 16 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$10 – $15
The Critic Unbound: John McDonald on Everything the artworld doesn’t want you to know
What happens when one of Australia’s best-known art critics steps outside the traditional media landscape? For more than 40 years, John McDonald has been a prominent voice in Australian art criticism. Since becoming an independent critic, he has had the opportunity to observe and discuss the Australian art world on his own terms, without the constraints of a newspaper editorial desk. In this talk, John reflects on his first two years as an independent critic and considers what this experience has revealed about the Australian art world: arts funding, how artists and institutions are being represented, the changing role of the critic, and what happens to meaningful criticism when the traditional media landscape is shifting.
Known for his sharp observations, extensive knowledge and willingness to ask difficult questions, John will offer an entertaining and provocative perspective on the state of Australian art today.
A rare opportunity to hear directly from one of Australia’s most experienced and independent voices in art criticism.
About the Packsaddle Lecture Series
With sponsorship from the Packsaddle Fundraising Group, one of NERAM’s key supporting bodies, four lectures are presented each year within the NERAM galleries. The Packsaddle Lecture Series invites leading guest speakers to explore aspects of Australian and international artistic practices and history. These informative and entertaining talks provide the community with an opportunity to explore themes and ideas related to some of our key collection areas or temporary exhibitions.
