This subject covers the history, philosophy and theory of the visual arts, which include photography and sculpture as well as the graphic and decorative arts. Overall, material is collected at a level to support advanced study in the area of fine and decorative arts, with material on graphic arts collected at a level capable of supporting basic information needs.
The Library collects published material about Australian art and artists at a comprehensive level, including works on Australian photographers, printmakers, decorative artists and graphic designers. Material in the Australian Art and Artists (AAA) file forms a large collection of ephemeral exhibition items containing information on Australian artists whose work has been exhibited in Australian galleries, art societies and other organisations since the mid-1800s. The Library also holds a strong collection of Australian comic books from the early 20th century to the present day in order to highlight aspects of Australian popular culture in the visual arts. Digital resources are also available.
The Library collects works on all major international art movements, historical periods, schools and artists. Existing strengths of the collection are in Australian, North American and European art, with increasing attention being paid to the arts of the Asia-Pacific region. Analytical works, catalogues, reference material, journals, biographies and historical surveys are collected, as well as major digital resources.
An emphasis is placed on authoritative, descriptive works which cover a wide range of schools, styles, countries and periods, and on collecting the definitive catalogues of major galleries, museums and sculptors. Standard authoritative works on the history of ceramic arts and pottery are collected, with an emphasis given to works detailing major figures and movements. Material on coins and medals is collected at a basic information level.
This collection comprises authoritative illustrated works on individual printmakers, schools and techniques from around the world, as well as works on the aesthetic and historical aspects of prints and print making.
Published material on the history of photography is collected, as well as works covering major international photographers and movements. Descriptive and theoretical material on photography as an art form and the catalogues of significant exhibitions are acquired. Technical guides and journals are collected at a lower level appropriate for general use.
The Library collects material on all major international movements, periods and artists. Existing strengths of the collection are in Australian and European art, with increasing attention being paid to the arts of the Asia-Pacific region. Analytical works, catalogues, reference material, journals, biographies and historical surveys are all collected. The Library has also developed a strong collection of works of cartoonists from Australia and overseas, and will continue to build the collection in this and other popular areas such as Australian comic books.
This area covers furniture design, textile arts, glass and interior decoration. The Library collection seeks to represent major international styles, periods and practitioners. Works which explore the craft heritage of important ethnic groups are also collected at a basic information level.
