Call of the Avant-Garde: Constructivism and Australian Art

Regarded as an artistic experiment that emerged from the Russian Revolution 1917, Constructivism developed as an expression of modern life linked to industry and manufacturing post-World War One.

Usually geometric, organised and reductive, Constructivist work is marked through elements of abstraction and experimentation, and seeks to accept and reflect the modern industrial world.

Such ideals and influence spread to Europe, Britain and eventually Australia where artists each produced localised alterations.

Heavily influenced by British Constructivism, the Australian artists presented in the exhibition highlight the influence of Russian Constructivism that permeates and extends through time and beyond location.

With a range of artists from 1930, to contemporary painters and sculptors, the collection presents various forms, mediums and ideas including painting, sculpture, video, photography, theatre and more, with Australian artists including Ralph Balson, Frank Hinder, Inge King, George Johnson, among key proponents of the original movement such as Russian artists Rodchenko, Malevich and British artists Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth.

Free admission with Museum Pass ($18 or $14 concession, which includes entry to three exhibitions on display). Members free.

Broadsheet is a proud media partner of Heide Museum of Modern Art.