Olive Cotton (1911‒2003) is now recognised as one of Australia’s most significant photographers, especially notable for her images that draw attention to the immersive qualities of photography. Cotton began taking photographs with a Kodak Box Brownie when she was 11, and by the early 1930s was an integral member of a vibrant creative community in Sydney that included her good friend (and later husband) Max Dupain. She spent the decade making some of the most innovative photographs in the history of Australian photography, which she published and exhibited during this period, including internationally.

For the first time, this exhibition brings together Cotton’s photographs and the work of her leading international peers. These include outstanding works from the national collection by key modernist photographers such as Dora Maar, Berenice Abbot, Lucia Moholy, Edward Weston, and Tina Modotti. These are some of the most celebrated figures in international photography, and provide a perfect context for appreciating Cotton’s great work.

This is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition presented as part of The Bowness Family Foundation Photography Touring Program.

Olive Cotton, Teacup ballet, 1935, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 1983