Stravinsky's Lunch | 
pickI found myself reading a book about the lives of two Australian artists I‘ve never heard of - and it was fantastic. I picked this up because I loved Drusilla Modjeska‘s The Orchard many years ago but I thought this wouldn‘t grab me. I was so wrong. Modjeska is looking at the difficulties of being a woman artist in the early twentieth century - and she draws in other women artists of the time.⬇️
Centique Her subjects are Stella Bowen (famously the mistress of Ford Maddox Ford) and Grace Cossington Smith. One tried to juggle her art alongside her “Great Artist” lover in Europe, the other led a more isolated life back in her native country as a spinster (possibly with a hidden love). So readable, thoughtful and insightful without being too academic, it is as much about Modjeska‘s own musings as an artist herself. ⬇️ (edited) 4y
Centique Painting is “Jug with Fruit in the Window” 1960 by Grace Cossington Smith (edited) 4y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag Ooh, I love all the GCS paintings I‘ve seen but I‘ve only heard of her recently when the “how many women artists can you name” trend in art really picked up on social media (I‘m still annoyed at myself for missing the first half of this exhibition : https://knowmyname.nga.gov.au ) 4y
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Cathythoughts Beautiful post 💫 4y
Centique @thegirlwiththelibrarybag that exhibition looks fantastic - and much needed. Amazing how women‘s art had been ignored/actively repressed all over the world. I am so keen to visit Australian art galleries when the borders reopen. 4y
Centique @Cathythoughts thank you lovely! 4y
CarolynM I love Grace Cossington-Smith's work. It's good to see some previously under appreciated women artists getting more recognition. There was an absolutely wonderful exhibition of Clarice Beckett's work in Adelaide earlier this year, I'm really hoping it comes to Melbourne @thegirlwiththelibrarybag The NGV did a good job with Nora Heysen recently too. 4y
Centique @CarolynM look at me up to my eyeballs in all things Aussie! I should be an honorary ambassador 😂😂😂 4y
CarolynM But will you be cheering for the Wallabies against France tomorrow?😂 Meanwhile, I'm reading a book by a Kiwi resident of Melbourne set in a small town somewhere near Dunedin😂 4y
Centique @CarolynM well I won‘t be watching but I will wish you luck! The French rugby team have broken my heart before 😂😂 I‘m glad you‘re reading a Kiwi book. My mother‘s family is from Dunedin and some nearby small towns. A great area! Tag me when you review it if you remember 😘 4y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag @CarolynM, i must have missed that one 🤭😭 but yes please to art travelling around the country! 4y
