Visual Arts

Australia’s leading art critic John McDonald runs his eye over the most expensive work ever purchased by the National Gallery and asks: ‘Is it worth it?’

JOHN McDONALD: From Beethoven being conducted to a hearing-impaired choir to swimming with tigers in high heels - there’s no shortage of artistic ambition in the environmentally-minded Bangkok Art Biennale.

JOHN McDONALD: Australia’s best-known art critic explores the stunning surrealist world of René Magritte.

The cultures of six Indian Ocean countries — India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, South Africa and Australia — are coming to Australia via an incredible exhibition.

Artist Laura Jones has won Australia's most prestigious art award, the Archibald Prize, with a portrait of author Tim Winton.

A portrait of an Indigenous musician has taken out the Packing Room Prize as judging for the country's most prestigious art award moves into its final stages.

I’m no fan of the royal family, but the red-hued first official portrait of the British monarch rules, OK?

The loss of Mo, Evie and Otis Maslin in the MH17 tragedy is etched on a nation’s soul. Almost 10 years later, their mum shares her story of hope and resilience through art and daughter Violet.

American artist Richard Serra, the "poet of iron" whose enormous steel sculptures have adorned outdoor spaces around the world, has died at 85.

Portrait painter Ralph Heimans, who has painted Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mary of Denmark, is holding his first major exhibition in Australia.

Artist Callum Preston has brought back the era of VHS tapes and laminated membership cards.

Artist Yhonnie Scarce is staging her biggest survey show yet, using blown glass to shed light on some dark topics.

Professional athletes have grown more serious about buying art in recent years, and their fame has helped make them taste-makers with the ability to help drive interest in contemporary art.

Napier Waller prize winners say art changed the trajectory of their lives after the military. The award highlights the experiences of defence force personnel.