Making Modernism

This book brings fresh perspectives on the works of celebrated modernists Georgia O’Keeffe, Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith, illuminating some of the artistic and cultural parallels and common themes between American and Australian modernism while exploring each artist’s unique contribution to international developments of modernism.

While O’Keeffe, Preston and Cossington Smith developed highly individual styles, they are connected by their choice of subject, their experimentation with light, colour and form, and their commitment to presenting alternative ways of seeing the world. Each modernised their sense of place, developing new art forms that expressed their respective nations. In considering the similarities and distinctions in their art, this publication aims to bring a deeper understanding of modernism’s dispersal and reinvention as it developed beyond the metropolitan wellspring of Europe.

Through a selection of wondrous images and engaging and enlightening essays, this book explores the distinct contributions made by O’Keeffe, Preston and Cossington Smith to the movement of modernism throughout their prolific careers.