Degenerates and Perverts: The 1939 Herald Exhibition on Modern Art

Presented by Steven Miller

In 1939 an exhibition of art came to Australia which became legendary. The 1939 Herald Exhibition of French and British Contemporary Art has been called the single most enlivening event in Australia’s modern cultural development. Opening when Australia was undergoing profound change, not only in art but also socially, this exhibition became the focus for the opposing forces of cultural conservatism and innovation which marked the time. This lecture will examine the many and competing claims made for this exhibition. It will examine how the show was organised and selected, where and how it was displayed in Australia and what reception it received. Finally, it will attempt to evaluate its impact upon Australian art and society, at a time when conservatives were accused of perverting progress and progressives were accused of degeneracy.

Dates and Locations

Saturday 11 April 2026 Gold Coast (QLD)

Wednesday 15 April 2026 Brisbane (QLD)

Thursday 16 April 2026 Brisbane (QLD)

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