Education Resource: ‘Unfinished Business: The Art of Gordon Bennett’

Gordon Bennett / Australia 1955–2014 / Possession Island 1991 / Oil and synthetic polymer paint on canvas / Two parts: 162 x 260cm (overall) / Purchased with funds from the Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust, Museum of Sydney Appeal, 2007 / Collection: Museum of Sydney, Sydney Living Museums / © Estate of Gordon Bennett

Gordon Bennett / Australia 1955–2014 / Possession Island 1991 / Oil and synthetic polymer paint on canvas / Two parts: 162 x 260cm (overall) / Purchased with funds from the Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust, Museum of Sydney Appeal, 2007 / Collection: Museum of Sydney, Sydney Living Museums / © Estate of Gordon Bennett / View full image

‘Unfinished Business: The Art of Gordon Bennett’ presents the work of one of Australia’s most important contemporary artists. Gordon Bennett’s practice considers how the past influences the way we view the world around us, revealing the need for more nuanced and open-ended contemplation of accepted truths. Many of the aspects of contemporary society that he interrogated remain relatively unchanged. As such, the purpose Bennett's art continues to have relevance today.

About the resource

Suitable for secondary levels, this resource explores both the visual and written language of Gordon Bennett and other artists. Divided into Artworks, Artists and Concepts, the structure of the resource is flexible and allows numerous pathways into and within Bennett's practice to be explored.

Teacher Notes

Includes about the resource, making and responding ideas, and a reference list.

Artworks, Artists, Concepts

Artworks

Selected artworks by Gordon Bennett

Artists

Key artists whose visual language Bennett sampled in his works and engaged with in a dialogue

Concepts

Ideas and concepts at the heart of Bennett's practice

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