A journey through two centuries of epic landscape painting, this unique and compelling exhibition explores both the timing of Turner’s major artistic breakthroughs, which coincided with the development and origins of a school of art in Australia, and his continuing influence on artists working in Australia today.

The exhibition draws a line of influence from Turner’s contemporary John Glover, who migrated to Australia in 1831, aged 64, through to cutting edge contemporary art, and includes within its orbit those who have worked consciously within Turner’s legacy, and those for whom his influence is unintentional and the result of an inherited tradition of European-derived landscape art.

Turner & Australia draws together key works by Turner from Australian public collections, presented alongside a diverse chronology of Australian art that has arisen from the generations that have followed in his path. Included amongst original works by Turner are key works by Australian luminaries such as Eugene von Guérard, Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, Clarice Beckett, Jessie Traill, Lloyd Rees, Tracey Moffatt, Tony Smibert, and Valerie Sparks.

This unforgettable exhibition is complemented by a substantial publication of original and ground-breaking research that comprehensively examines the depth and breadth of Turner’s influence on Australian art. Through the different facets of the project, of significant artworks and new research, Turner & Australia presents a new perspective on the story of Australian art.

Whether visitors are new to Turner, or have long been under his spell, Turner & Australia will enthral all through the vitality, scope, and sheer awe-inspiring power of his art, and the art of those that have followed in his wake.