The Adelaide Art Scene: Becoming Contemporary 1939–2000 by Margot Osborne is a landmark anthology that charts the evolution of progressive art in South Australia across six transformative decades.
This richly detailed book reveals the untold story of Adelaide’s creative rise — from the early post-war years to the turn of the millennium — exploring the triumphs, tensions, and turning points that defined modern Australian art.
Through a combination of new and archival writing, Osborne offers a compelling, multi-faceted account of the people and institutions that shaped Adelaide’s art identity: the maverick artists, bold exhibitions, art societies, critics, galleries, and the ever-evolving role of the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Published in association with Guildhouse and Carrick Hill, and supported by the South Australian Government’s Department of the Premier and Cabinet through Arts South Australia, this anthology stands as a vital contribution to Australia’s art history.
A must-have for collectors, curators, and anyone inspired by South Australia’s creative spirit — The Adelaide Art Scene is both an archival treasure and a contemporary celebration of artistry, innovation, and community.
Details:
Author: Margot Osborne
Hardcover, 328 pages
Published by the Art Gallery of South Australia
Produced in collaboration with Guildhouse and Carrick Hill
Supported by Arts South Australia
Printed in Australia
✨ A definitive story of how Adelaide became a powerhouse of contemporary Australian art.
