Australian Tonalism: A selection from the John and Peter Perry Collection

The practice that created a historic storm in the Australian art scene is the subject of a major exhibition for Town Hall Gallery at Hawthorn Arts Centre. Boroondara Arts announces 'Australian Tonalism: A selection from the John and Peter Perry Collection', a major exhibition celebrating the artistic legacy of Max Meldrum. The exhibition draws significant works from the private collection of John and Peter Perry. Max Meldrum (1875–1955) revolutionised the painting scene between the two World Wars, creating a distinctive style known as Tonalism, which left a lasting imprint on the nation's artistic landscape. Meldrum's approach and his commanding persona attracted a dedicated following of key artists, including A M E Bale, Clarice Beckett, Colin Colahan and Polly Hurry. The exhibition features works from John and Peter Perry's collection of over 320 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and etchings by Meldrum and his notable students, as well as landscapes from both France and Australia, still lifes, portraits and animal studies. The exhibition also holds fascinating studio artifacts such as plaster casts, palettes and photographs which offer a deeper insight into the artists' creative processes during the interwar period in Melbourne. Tours, an in-gallery portrait painting demonstration by John Perry, and even a dining amongst the art event are some of the experiences offered to engage with this significant survey.