As one of the most influential Australian artists of the early twentieth century, Margaret Preston transformed the visual language of the nation through a practice that was both technically innovative and visually unforgettable. Her still lifes, particularly her iconic depictions of Australian native flowers, are extraordinary for their bold compositions and sophisticated use of colour. Banksias, waratahs and gum blossoms become powerful design elements in her hands: rhythmic, graphic and unmistakably modern.
Working across painting, printmaking and decorative arts, Preston continually experimented with materials and technique, forging a distinctive aesthetic that drew from international modernism while seeking to define a uniquely Australian visual identity.
This landmark publication brings together key works and new scholarship in an in-depth survey of Preston's career. It sheds new light on her artistic networks, her complex relationship with First Nations visual culture, and her enduring influence on Australian art and design.
With contributions from leading writers and curators, including Jennifer Higgie, Geoffrey Batchen and Lisa Slade, this book reveals an artist of remarkable vision: one who reimagined the world around her through a distinctly Australian lens, and whose work continues to shape how we see beauty, colour and culture today.