First Major Survey of Billy Bain’s Work
The Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) has opened ‘Borrowed Landscape’, the first major survey of artist Billy Bain, showcasing 80 works spanning four decades. The exhibition, which runs until October, traces Bain’s evolution from early figurative works to his signature luminous landscapes that blend abstraction and representation.
A Career Defined by Light and Colour
Bain, known for his vibrant depictions of the Australian bush and coastline, draws inspiration from the interplay of natural light and colour. According to AGNSW director Michael Brand, “Billy Bain’s work captures the essence of the Australian landscape in a way that feels both timeless and immediate.” The exhibition includes paintings from the 1980s to the present, highlighting his consistent exploration of these themes.
Exhibition Highlights
Key pieces include ‘Summer Haze’ (1995), ‘River Bend’ (2004), and a new series titled ‘After the Fire’, painted in response to the 2019–2020 bushfires. The latter reflects Bain’s engagement with environmental change, using scorched earth tones and emerging greens. “After the fires, I felt compelled to document the regeneration,” Bain said in a statement. “The landscape was borrowing from itself.”
The exhibition also features a selection of Bain’s charcoal sketches and watercolours, offering insight into his process. Works are drawn from public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Queensland Art Gallery.
Critical Reception
Art critic John McDonald described the survey as “a long-overdue recognition of a painter who has quietly shaped Australian art for decades.” The show has drawn strong early attendance, with AGNSW reporting a 30% increase in visitors since its opening weekend.
Visitor Information
‘Borrowed Landscape’ is on display in the gallery’s contemporary art wing. Entry is free for members, with general admission tickets available for $25. The gallery has scheduled guided tours and artist talks throughout the run.
