Art Almanac acknowledges and pays respect to the many Aboriginal nations across this land, traditional custodians, Elders past and present; in particular the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we work.

 

June 2026

In our June issue, it’s potentials in parallel as artists come in juxtaposition. Brian Rope begins with Max Dupain and Ansel Adams; through photography, they shaped the visual imaginations of Australia and the States, using uncannily similar methods. Sasha Grishin then has John Brack and Noel McKenna together. Artists of different generations; they never met, though through comparative consideration: these two artists sit together now. Then, in our own take on artist couplings, we launch a new series. ‘Two up’ sees us soak in the works of two artists showing separately in a single gallery, in a single month. Melitta Perry and Beth Kennedy at Anthea Polson Art are first up; Emma-Kate Wilson discovers two artists joined by immersion in nature.

What is to be gained from bringing two practices alongside? A great deal, as this month’s features show. Evidence that art’s ripples touch not only the worlds captured and shaped by artists, but the meanings and sometimes methods, too, of other creators and their works. Evidence that nothing is created nor should be viewed in isolation. We hope you enjoy June’s artistic duos.

Art Almanac | Australia’s leading monthly guide to “what’s on” in the arts: exhibitions, events, workshops, open studios, artist opportunities, art awards and services. June 2026 features $660k+ in art prizes/funding, 600+ galleries, and 430+ artists, both emerging and established.

Contents

Editorial

Editor’s note
Editor’s pick

Preview:
Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: in search of perfection – Words by Brian Rope

Review:
John Brack × Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror – Words by Sasha Grishin

Two up:
Melitta Perry × Beth Kennedy, Immersion in nature – Words by Emma-Kate Wilson

On display:
Marikit Santiago, The Divine, 2020 – Words by Bronwyn Watson

Select exhibitions:
Enjoy our curated selection of must-see exhibitions across Australia this month

Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes

News:
Local Contemporary Art Prize
Wynne Prize
Bayside Painting Prize
Gallipoli Art Prize
galang Residency
Prudence MacLeod Prize

Books:
Liz Fenwick, The Colony

What’s on

Gallery index
Melbourne
Victoria
Sydney
New South Wales
Australian Capital Territory
Tasmania
South Australia
Western Australia
Northern Territory
Queensland
Artist index

Art & industry

Artist opportunities
Awards
Art auction houses
Submissions and proposals
Studio spaces
Materials
Services
Consultants and valuers
Member organisations
Training

Cover image:
Kunmanara Patju Presley (1945–25, Pitjantjatjara language), Tjatu, 2024, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 200 × 137cm / © Patju Presley, Copyright Agency 2026 / Courtesy D Lan Galleries, Melbourne, Sydney, and New York