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Discuss art, life, culture and creativity at our monthly Book Club. The titles on the Members Book Club reading list from September to November will explore ideas presented in ‘Under a Modern Sun: Art in Queensland 1930s–50s’.

Artful Lives: The Cohen Sisters (2024) by Penny Olsen

The Cohen sisters lived frugally, enjoyed mischief and flaunted their bohemian lifestyle. Raised in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood and then drawn to the tropics, their winters were spent painting, fishing and gardening on their tropical island in Far North Queensland—then an undeveloped part of Australia. Far from the gaze of civilisation, life was simple and bronzed. Artistic men were a temptation. They mixed with prominent artists, writers, designers and academics longing for a more progressive, independent Australia. Lina Bryans, Jock Frater, Arthur Boyd, Clif Pugh, Noel Wood, Roy Dalgarno, Roger Kemp, Ian Fairweather, Clem Christesen, Alan Marshall and Alistair Knox were among their friends and associates. The sisters’ lives spanned the twentieth century, two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the making of modern Australia. Beginning as wealthy, young Melbourne socialites, they gradually shed their skin to become bohemians, painting and writing—more than anything, enjoying the milieu. Part family history, part social history, part art history, as the sisters’ extraordinary story unfolds, so too does an art heist.

Ticket includes light refreshments. Members receive 20% off current and past Book Club titles at the QAGOMA Stores.

September – November reading list

• Artful Lives: The Cohen Sisters (2024) by Penny Olsen
• A Long Way from Home (2020) by Peter Carey
• The Comfort of Figs (2017) by Simon Cleary

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Ticketholders must provide 2 days’ notice of cancellation to be eligible for a refund. Within 24 hours of the event date, ticketholders may request to transfer their payment to another Members event. No-shows cannot be refunded or transferred.