In the 1930s, Edward Swain, a scholar and one of Australia’s first conservationists, published Eucalyptusdom, a book about the gum tree endemic to Australia. Taking its name from that text, a new exhibition puts the spotlight on the Australian eucalyptus and its shifting symbolism in the country. On display are 400 works from Powerhouse’s permanent collection, all rooted in the eucalyptus. There are delicate pastel vases inspired by the tree, mid-19th-century illustrations of it, ornate 20th-century dining chairs made from it. Seventeen commissioned works—in mediums from film to fashion—also honor the eucalyptus tree. —J.D.

Eucalyptusdom
–
Powerhouse Ultimo / Sydney / Art
Powerhouse Ultimo / Sydney / Art
Eucalypt timbers made at Sydney Technical College, 1896–1930. Photo by Zan Wimberley.
Visit
Powerhouse Ultimo
500 Harris St, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
Get Directions »
Start a New Search
Subscribers Only
Start your free trial to access the full Arts Intel Report
Subscribe to Air Mail to access every article
and search our entire Arts Intel Report.
Already a subscriber? Sign in here.