In the world of art, few stories are as captivating as that of the Heide Circle, a group of pioneering artists who shaped Australian modernism. This tale, brought to the forefront by Lily Mora's exhibition at the Heide Museum of Modern Art, is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the enduring impact of a tight-knit bohemian circle. As an art enthusiast and commentator, I find this story particularly fascinating, not just for its historical significance but for the personal connections and insights it offers into the lives of these artists and their supporters.
A Personal Journey into Australian Modernism
Lily Mora, a third-generation gallerist and art curator, has delved into the archives of her late grandmother, Mirka Mora, to explore the origins of Australian modernism. This exhibition, titled "Always Modern: Radical Nurture," is a deeply personal project, as it delves into the life and work of Mirka, a French-born Australian artist who was part of the Heide Circle in the 1950s and 60s. Lily's fascination with this period and the artists who shaped it is evident, and her exploration of the archives reveals a rich tapestry of creativity and camaraderie.
The Heide Circle: A Community of Artists
The Heide Circle was a group of artists who gathered at Heide, a former dairy farm on the Yarra River flood plain, owned by John and Sunday Reed. These artists were rebels united by a communal cause, nurturing each other's creativity and producing some of their most famous works. Mirka Mora, with her free-thinking way of life and scorn for traditional domesticity, was a key member of this circle. Her granddaughter, Lily, has a longstanding connection with Heide, having visited as a baby with her late father, William Mora, a renowned gallerist.
The Artist Mother: A Radical Concept
One of the most intriguing aspects of the exhibition is its exploration of motherhood under the umbrella of care. Lily, now a mother herself, was naturally drawn to this theme, as it resonated with her own experiences. Mirka Mora, a Holocaust survivor and loving grandmother, was a resolutely non-conformist mother, prioritizing her art and identity over conventional domesticity. Her grandchildren witnessed her at work and were involved in the creative process, a testament to her belief in the importance of art in family life.
The Power of Nurturing and Support
The exhibition also highlights the power of nurturing and support, as exemplified by the Reeds. John and Sunday Reed provided financial support, food, and a place to stay for artists who believed in them. Their generosity and foresight played a pivotal role in the development of Australian modernism, as they nurtured artists who were not widely recognized at the time. This support system was instrumental in the creation of a community of artists who could thrive and produce their most famous works.
A Celebration of Avant-Garde Art
Always Modern: Radical Nurture celebrates the avant-garde artists of the Heide Circle, including Sidney Nolan, Charles Blackman, Joy Hester, Albert Tucker, Sam Atyeo, and Danila Vassilieff. The exhibition features more than 60 works from the Heide collection and the estate of Mirka Mora, offering a comprehensive overview of the period. The show also includes works by Nolan and Blackman, whose avant-garde pieces challenged conservative art critics at the time.
A Story of Friendship, Maternal Forces, and Sisterly Love
The exhibition also centers on the friendships, maternal forces, and sisterly love that characterized the Heide Circle. The show features drawings of the Reeds' summers spent together in Aspendale, where they had beach houses side by side and spent many Christmases and long summers. These drawings, gifted by Mirka to the Reeds, offer a glimpse into the modern and radical but always joyful and free-spirited acceptance of each other.
A Takeaway and a Provocative Idea
As an art commentator, I find this exhibition a powerful reminder of the importance of community, creativity, and support in the development of art movements. The Heide Circle, with its nurturing environment and free-spirited acceptance, offers a model for artistic collaboration and innovation. Moreover, the exhibition raises a deeper question about the role of women in art, particularly in the context of motherhood. It challenges us to reconsider the tension between artistic identity and maternal roles, and to celebrate the women who managed to be both.
Always Modern: Radical Nurture is a must-see for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of Australian modernism. It is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the enduring impact of a tight-knit bohemian circle. As Lily Mora explores the archives of her grandmother's life, she invites us to reflect on the role of art in family life and the importance of nurturing and support in the development of artistic movements.
