Margaret Preston (1875-1963) was one of Australia’s most innovative and influential artists. Renowned for her modernist approach to printmaking and painting, Preston was instrumental in introducing modernism to Australia and advocating for the recognition of Indigenous Australian art.
Born in Port Adelaide, South Australia, Preston’s early studies in art took her to Adelaide and then to Europe. It was during her time in Europe, especially in Paris, that she was exposed to modernist movements such as Post-Impressionism and Cubism, which would profoundly influence her style.
Preston’s works are characterized by their bold, simplified forms, vibrant colors, and rhythmic patterns. She frequently incorporated Australian native flowers, landscapes, and animals into her compositions, merging European techniques with distinctly Australian subjects. Beyond her fascination with the Australian landscape and flora, Preston was also deeply influenced by Asian art, particularly Japanese woodblock prints, and Indigenous Australian art.
One of her enduring legacies was her argument for the importance of Indigenous Australian art and its influence on contemporary Australian art practices. She believed that to find a truly national art identity, artists needed to learn from and incorporate Indigenous motifs and techniques.
Artists of a similar vein to Preston include Grace Cossington Smith and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Both artists, like Preston, sought to define a unique Australian visual language, though their influences and styles differ.
Throughout her career, Margaret Preston continually pushed the boundaries of Australian art. Whether through her vibrant still lifes, her groundbreaking printmaking, or her advocacy for Indigenous art, her influence remains palpable in the tapestry of Australia’s art history.
Useful Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Preston
