Sydney’s leading visual arts institutions, Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW), Campbelltown Arts Centre (C-A-C), Carriageworks, and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), will showcase new works and commissions by fifty-three artists and collectives for the fourth edition of The National from March to July 2023.
The National 4: Australian Art Now, which continues the Biennale’s exploration of the latest ideas and forms in contemporary art today, is curated by Beatrice Gralton at AGNSW, Jane Devery at MCA, Freja Carmichael and Aarna Fitzgerald Hanley at Carriageworks, and Emily Rolfe at C-A-C.

Brenda L. Croft (Gurindji/Malngin/Mudburra Peoples), Tristan (Dharawal/Yuin), 2021, from the series ‘Naabami (thou shall/will see): Barangaroo (army of me)’ 2016, inkjet print (from original tintype, wet plate collodion process) on archival paper, 140.3 x 99.9cm. Courtesy the artist and Niagara Galleries, Melbourne
From complex large-scale installations to miniature paintings, The National 4 brings together a dynamic group of artists and collectives from across every state and territory. Shared themes include intergenerational learning and interconnectedness, a focus on language and narrative and the role of the artist in the twenty-first century.
Fourteen artists will be on display at AGNSW and, for the first time, at the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills. Senior Curator of the Brett Whiteley Studio, Beatrice Gralton, said: “The exhibition reflects the vitality and diversity of Australian art being made today. There is a strong interest in narrative and the important role that artists play in probing histories to understand, question and redefine our contemporary experience.”
AGNSW exhibiting artists are Abdul Abdullah (NSW), Brenda L Croft (ACT/NT), Robert Fielding (SA), Madeleine Kelly (NSW), Glen Mackie Kei Kelak (QLD), Pierre Mukeba (SA), Nabilah Nordin (VIC), Thea Anamara Perkins (NSW), Reko Rennie (VIC), David Sequeira (VIC), Esther Stewart (VIC), and Heather B Swann (TAS), and Natasha Walsh (NSW) at the Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills, Gerry Wedd (SA).

Lynda Draper, Flowers of the Night, 2021, installation detail, Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney. Photograph: Simon Hewson
Curator of Contemporary Visual Art at C-A-C, Emily Rolfe, said: “Our display for The National 4 will present large-scale installations alongside bodies of work by 11 artists, which highlight collaborative and intergenerational practices. Through these projects the artists reflect on our unsettled times and question personal and national stories, creating space for listening and exchange.”
C-A-C exhibiting artists are Isabel & Alfredo Aquilizan (QLD/Philippines), Brook Andrew (NSW/VIC), Christopher Bassi (QLD), Lynda Draper (NSW), Jumaadi (NSW/Indonesia), Shivanjani Lal (NSW), Julian Martin (VIC), and Yabini Kickett artist project with Sharyn Egan and Ilona McGuire (WA).
At Carriageworks, co-curators Freja Carmichael and Aarna Fitzgerald Hanley have invited eleven artists to create new works; “Our selection of artists recognises the important role artists hold as communicators and storytellers of experiences in Australia today.”
Carriageworks exhibiting artists are Susan Balbunga (NT), Frances Barrett (SA), Elizabeth Day (NSW/TAS), Nicole Foreshew (NSW), Heather Koowootha (QLD), Jo Lloyd (VIC), Naminapu Maymuru-White (NT) , Jason Phu (NSW), Teho Ropeyarn (QLD), Erika Scott (QLD), and Katie West (WA).

Jo Lloyd, Bang Stop, 2022, RISING, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne. Photograph: Peter Rosetzky. Courtesy and © the artist
Thirteen artists and two collectives will present their works at MCA. Senior Curator, Exhibitions, Jane Devery, said: “The exhibition at MCA Australia reflects how artists are imagining new ways of seeing and being in the world at a time of unprecedented change. Their works invite contemplation and conversation across a range of experimental, process-based and socially engaged practices.”
MCA exhibiting artists are Hoda Afshar (VIC), Daniel Boyd (NSW), Eugene Carchesio (QLD), Allison Chhorn (SA), Léuli Eshrāghi (QLD/Canada), Diena Georgetti (VIC), Simryn Gill (NSW), Ivi (QLD/Aotearoa/Tonga), Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association (NT), Mia Salsjö (VIC), Kieren Seymour (VIC), Nicholas Smith (VIC/USA), Isabelle Sully (VIC/The Netherlands), Amanda Williams (NSW), and Rudi Williams (VIC).

Nicholas Smith, Ribbons and Piss (bed), 2022, foam, ribbons. Courtesy and © the artist
Exhibition dates:
Art Gallery of New South Wales
24 March to 23 July 2023
Campbelltown Arts Centre
30 March to 25 June 2023
Carriageworks
30 March to 25 June 2023
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
31 March to July 2023