The National Art School (NAS) is set to showcase a significant survey exhibition of Anne Zahalka, one of Australia’s foremost photo-media artists, at the NAS Gallery from 16 August to 19 October 2024.
Originally exhibited at the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) in 2023, ZAHALKAWORLD – an artist’s archive brings to light pivotal works from Zahalka’s distinguished photographic career that spans over 40 years. The exhibition will feature more than 100 pieces from 15 different series, alongside collected ephemera from her studio and archive, providing a comprehensive look at her artistic evolution.
Zahalka’s collaboration with the National Art School includes the integration of six artworks from their collection and five newly created pieces crafted between 2023 and 2024. Following its display at NAS, ZAHALKAWORLD will embark on a national tour, with details to be announced later. Renowned globally for her contributions to contemporary photography, Zahalka has held over 40 solo exhibitions and her works are represented in prestigious collections, including those of the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Through her distinctive style, Zahalka engages with cultural and environmental themes, blending critical insights with humour to challenge prevailing narratives and showcase the cultural diversity of Australia. Highlights of the exhibition include iconic series such as Bondi: Playground of the Pacific, The Landscape Re-presented, and Kunstkammer, the latter featuring an immersive, life-sized recreation of Zahalka’s studio—a unique glimpse into her creative process.
An exciting aspect of the exhibition is its accompanying events program, where visitors can book one-on-one artist talks, giving them a chance to engage directly with Zahalka. This initiative underscores the personal nature of her work and invites audiences to delve deeper into the stories behind the art. Steven Alderton, CEO of NAS, reflected on Zahalka’s longstanding connection with the school, emphasising the significance of presenting her major survey exhibition. In an expression of anticipation, Zahalka herself stated, “I’m excited to be presenting a major survey of my work at the National Art School in Sydney… this immersive exhibition will offer a first-hand experience of how I develop artworks.”
ZAHALKAWORLD – An Artist’s Archive
Thursday 15 August 2024, please arrive for 9:15am, for a 9:30am start
NAS Galley, National Art School, 156 Forbes St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010