| Alongside Mucha’s own work, the exhibition will also feature a selection of Japanese prints from the Art Gallery’s exceptional ukiyo-e collection, the likes of which circulated during Mucha’s time in Paris in the late 19th century and profoundly influenced the art nouveau style. Also on display will be an exciting selection of 1960s and 1970s band posters and LP record covers, as well as more recent Japanese manga, that followed the countercultural rediscovery of Mucha’s art, showcasing his recent and ongoing influence on modern culture.
The exhibition is accompanied by a richly illustrated catalogue, written by Tomoko Sato, a leading Mucha expert and curator at the Mucha Foundation. The publication features over 200 stunning images depicting Mucha’s art and life, including rarely seen archival photographs.
Art Gallery visitors are invited to deepen their exploration of the world of art nouveau over the course of the exhibition through a range of Mucha-inspired public programs, including tours, talks, workshops and performances. Join a daily guided tour of the exhibition at 12pm or 2pm, and on Wednesdays also at 6.30pm. Tours also available in Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.
Sydney-based artist Noni Cragg will paint a work titled Velvet daydream in the Art Gallery’s welcome plaza from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June, to coincide with the opening weekend for the Mucha exhibition. Drawing inspiration from Mucha’s floral motifs and his political and mural work, Cragg will paint a portrait of her friend, Velvet Trip frontman Zeppelin Hamilton.
Also on the opening weekend, a double bill of talks will be held in the Meers Hall in Naala Badu, including a conversation between exhibition curators Jackie Dunn and Tomoko Sato on the fascinating life and career of Mucha at 12pm on Saturday 15 June. Designer Andrew Yip will discuss the technologies of play, immersion and enchantment he used to bring Mucha’s Slav Epic to life in the interactive digital installation he created for the exhibition at 1pm on Saturday 15 June. Free, no bookings required.
Later in June, the Art Gallery will present Moving portraits, a series of empowering dance performances co-created by three choreographer and dancer duos: Sue Healey and Anca Frankenhaeuser, Eliam Royalness and Neda Taha, and Sarah-Vyne Vassallo and Em Yali. Playing with notions of representation and narrative ownership, these new works will reflect unique ‘artist’ and ‘subject’ relationships. Moving portraits will be performed on Wednesday 26 June at 6pm in Naala Badu and 8pm in Naala Nura.
On Wednesday 11 September and Wednesday 18 September, as part of a Mucha-themed Art After Hours, visitors can channel their creativity in a series of free drop-in workshops, join a tour with exhibition curator Jackie Dunn, and listen to insightful artist talks while enjoying late-night exhibition access.
Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The exhibition is on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Naala Badu, our north building, from 15 June to 22 September 2024 and tickets are available now, alongside the concurrent Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2024 exhibition. A Gallery Pass providing discounted entry into both exhibitions is available, as well as a 2-for-1 ticket offer on Wednesday evenings throughout the exhibition’s display.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Art Gallery website.
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