Clarice Beckett: The present moment

Clarice Beckett: The present moment

During the 1920s and 1930s Clarice Beckett surrendered to the sensory impressions of her everyday world with such intensity that the force of her painted observations created an entirely new visual language. The extreme economy of her painting tested her Australian audiences, and yet distinguished her as working at the avant-garde of international modernism. Drawn from national public and private collections, highlights include the artist’s famed ethereal images of commonplace motifs such as lone figures, waves, trams and cars.

Driven by spiritual impulses beyond worldly success, she was a visionary mystic that saw nature as all powerful. Through veils of natural light she captured the eternal in the temporal. Accordingly, the 130 paintings in The present moment will be thematically displayed around shifts in time that chart the chronology of one single day. The exhibition will take visitors on a sensory journey from the first breath of sunrise, through to the hush of sunset and finally a return into the enveloping mists of nightfall.

The Art Gallery of South Australia is renowned for collecting, displaying and publishing the work of modern Australian women artists. Clarice Beckett: The present moment showcases Alastair Hunter OAM’s recent support of the acquisition of 21 Clarice Beckett paintings and proudly announces the AGSA’s ongoing commitment to the promotion and celebration of the work of great Australian women artists.

Supported by The Neilson Foundation. 

Open Ticket
Tickets are not timed and are valid for any day. Redeemable once.

Art Gallery Food + Wine 
Indulge in a high tea or petit breakfast at Art Gallery Food + Wine. Includes exhibition ticket and a glass of Jansz' Sparkling Rose. Available to purchase at AGF+W in person.  

New or renewing members see it free
Join as a new or renewing AGSA member (for two years+) or sign up for Auto Renew to receive a complimentary ticket to the exhibition. Terms and conditions apply. Join or renew online.

Clarice Beckett Gift Pack
Purchase a double pass to the exhibition gift wrapped in a ticket wallet. Perfect for gift giving. More.