The 9 by 5 Exhibition of 1889

The “9 by 5 Impression Exhibition” was a landmark art event held in Melbourne, Australia, in 1889. Organised by a group of Australian Impressionists, including Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, and Charles Conder, the exhibition showcased a series of small paintings, most of which measured 9 by 5 inches—hence the name of the exhibition. Many of these paintings were done on cigar box lids, adding a unique touch to the works.

The exhibition was a bold departure from traditional academic art styles, embracing quick, loose brushstrokes and an emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. It was inspired by the Impressionist movement in France but had a distinctively Australian flavour, often depicting local landscapes and scenes.

The 9 by 5 Exhibition was significant because it marked the development of a distinctly Australian art identity and helped establish the Heidelberg School, considered the beginning of modern Australian art. Though controversial at the time, with some critics dismissing the works as unfinished or rough, the exhibition is now regarded as a pivotal moment in the country's art history.