Photography by Australian artist Olive Cotton comes to the gallery

21 July 2025

Olive Cotton (1913‒2003) is recognised as one of Australia’s most significant photographers, especially notable for images that highlight the immersive qualities of photography. Cotton was a leading figure in the development of modern art in Australia, a contribution that we are only beginning to fully appreciate.

The National Gallery of Australia houses an unparalleled collection of Cotton’s work and for the first time, these works are touring the country alongside her leading international peers in an exhibition coming soon to Hawkesbury Regional Gallery.

Olive Cotton and her contemporaries is part of a new multi-year partnership between the National Gallery of Australia and the Bowness Family Foundation. 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, and to bring the national collection to new audiences across Australia through touring exhibitions.

This exciting exhibition marks the first collaboration between the National Gallery and Hawkesbury Regional Gallery since 2008. Outstanding artworks by Cotton will be shown alongside some of the most celebrated figures in international photography including: Dora Maar, Berenice Abbott, Lucia Moholy, Edward Weston, and Tina Modotti. Hawkesbury Regional Gallery will be the first venue to host the exhibition, followed by venues in Gippsland, Victoria and Cowra NSW.

Dr Nick Mitzevich, Director, National Gallery: ‘With close to 30,000 photographic works in the national collection, the Bowness Family Foundation Touring Photography Exhibition series provides communities across Australia access to the best of Australian and international photography. Olive Cotton is one of Australia’s most celebrated photographers and the National Gallery is excited to share her art with the Hawkesbury community.’

Elissa Blair, Arts and Culture Manager, Hawkesbury City Council: ‘We’re proud to share the work of Olive Cotton, a pioneering Australian photographer whose images capture both technical brilliance and quiet beauty. This exhibition brings the power of photography to the forefront and offers our community a rare opportunity to engage with iconic works from the national collection.’

Olive Cotton and her contemporaries is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition presented as part of the Bowness Family Foundation Touring Photography Exhibition series, curated by Shaune Lakin, Senior Curator, Photography and Anne O'Hehir, Curator, Photography, National Gallery of Australia.

Olive Cotton and her contemporaries opens to the public at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery from Saturday 23 August to Sunday 19 October 2025. An opening event will be held on Friday 22 August from 6–8 pm.

Public Programs:

Opening Night

Friday 22 August, 6-8pm
Celebrate the opening of

Curator’s Talk

Saturday 23 August, 1pm – 3pm | FREE
Join NGA Photography Curator Anne O’Heir for insights into Olive Cotton and her contemporaries.
Light refreshments provided. Bookings essential.

Teacher Professional Learning Day

Friday 26 September, 9am – 3pm | $10
Join National Gallery artist educators in this workshop focusing on active learning strategies for engaging students with the works of Olive Cotton.
Enquire via creative@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

Shape and Shadows Children’s Art Workshop

Wednesday 1 October, 10:30am – 12:30pm | $18

Explore shadow and shape in this Still Life workshop for kids inspired by Australian photographer Olive Cotton. Bookings essential.

Still Life Workshop with Dan Kyle

Saturday 11 October, 10:30am – 2:30pm | $45

Taking inspiration from Olive Cotton’s Teacup ballet and Yva’s, Cups and saucers, artist Dan Kyle will lead participants in creating a monotonal still-life, focusing on materials, line, shape and shadow.

Ages 15+, no experience required. All materials and refreshments provided. Bookings essential.

Full details of the public programs accompanying the exhibition and booking information can be found on Eventbrite: https://hawkesburygallery.eventbrite.com