Art Gallery of NSW Logo

Turning 40

5 min read
First personArtist interview
Woman with black shirt in a studio stands while holding an airbrush

Three of Australia’s leading artists share their experiences of turning 40 in time for Look’s birthday.

Man sits in studio surrounded by patterned textiles. The backdrop behind him is a work in progress mixed media painting.

Tony Albert in the studio

Image courtesy Sullivan+Strumpf

Tony Albert

Turning 40 is often marked by celebration. For me it arrived quietly, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I had spent the previous decade in Sydney and had flown to Brisbane for a funeral. Little did I know, I would not be returning for quite some time. I was in lockdown in Brisbane, like everyone, isolated from community, Country and the usual rhythms of my art practice. It was an uncertain time, yet also strangely productive.

Members Only

Enjoy this content and much, much more when you become an Art Gallery member.

Already a member? Log inBecome a member
Top image:

Fiona Lowry in the studio, photo courtesy of N.Smith Gallery, Sydney

You might also like...

The art that made me: Richard Lewer

Archibald Prize 2026 winner Richard Lewer speaks to artworks in the collection that inspire him.

8 min read

The art that made meArtist interview
Man smiling in front of a life sized painting of a woman against an ochre coloured background.

The art that made me: Mostafa Azimitabar

Mostafa Azimitabar shares four artworks from the Art Gallery’s collection by artists who inspire him.

10 min read

The art that made meArtist interview
Mostafa Azimitabar
Members Only