Exhibition: Olive Cotton and her contemporaries

‘Olive Cotton (1911‒2003) is recognised as one of Australia’s most significant photographers. Cotton is especially notable for images that highlight the immersive qualities of photography. Cotton was also a leading figure in the development of modern art in Australia, a contribution that we are only beginning to fully appreciate. The National Gallery’s collection of Olive Cotton’s work is unparalleled. This exhibition will explore the exceptional innovations of one of Australia’s greatest photographers.

For the first time, this exhibition will bring together Cotton’s photographs and the work of her leading international peers. These include outstanding works from the national collection by key modernist photographers such as Dora Maar, Berenice Abbott, Lucia Moholy, Edward Weston, and Tina Modotti. These are some of the most celebrated figures in international photography.

Olive Cotton and her contemporaries is part of a program of touring exhibitions drawing on the National Gallery’s outstanding photography collection. The program is fully supported by the Bowness Family Foundation, and sees some of the most significant photographs by Australian and International artists tour to regional venues across Australia. The program seeks to elevate awareness of the significant cultural influence of photography in Australia, and to provide communities with access to the best of the history of Australian and international photography.’ GAG website.

Photograph above: Olive Cotton – Glasses c1937 silver gelatin print. National Gallery of Australia collection.

Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale, Victoria until 22 February 2026