ABSTRACT

The 1974 exhibition ‘Modern Chinese Painters in the Traditional Style’ represents an early effort to promote the understanding of modern Chinese art in Australia. Initiated by the professor of Chinese at the University of Melbourne and held at the University Art Gallery, the exhibition was a cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional endeavour that brought together paintings from private collections in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. Australia re-established diplomatic relations with China in December 1972, and in late 1973, Gough Whitlam made the first visit to China by an Australian prime minister, opening the door to greater dialogue and exchange. 1974 was a pivotal moment in China and Australia to reflect on China’s cultural and artistic past and consider its future.