Her parents, Thomas Crowther Plante and Isabella Guthrie Plante, immigrated from England. Her father was a merchant.
The family relocated to East Melbourne, Australia, in 1888.
Plante attended Presbyterian Ladies' College in 1891 and later received formal training at the National Gallery School under Lindsay Bernard Hall and Frederick McCubbin.
Artistic Development and Influences
Early Impressionist Phase: Plante initially painted in an impressionistic style, drawing inspiration from artists like James Abbott McNeill Whistler.
Transition to Post-Impressionism: She later embraced the post-impressionist style through encouragement from fellow artists William Frater and Lina Bryans. This transformation occurred while living in an artist's colony at “The Pink Hotel” in Darebin.
Key Influences: William Frater, Lina Bryans, and the artistic environment of the Melbourne art scene significantly shaped her development.
Career and Exhibitions
Plante’s first exhibition was with the Victorian Artists Society in 1901.
In 1902, she studied at Académie Julian in Paris, sharing a studio with Australian artist Cristina Asquith Baker.
She exhibited work from the academy upon her return to Australia at the Victorian Artists Society.
Significant Exhibitions: She participated in the First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work (1907), winning prizes for portrait and figure painting; the first exhibition of the Melbourne Contemporary Art Group (1932); and exhibitions with the Contemporary Art Society (1941, 1943).
Solo Exhibition: Plante had her only solo exhibition at George's Gallery in 1945.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Founding Member: She was one of the founding exhibitors in the Post-Impressionist Melbourne Contemporary Group, a pivotal moment for modern art in Australia.
Membership in the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors highlighted her contribution to female artists in the region.
Critical Acclaim: Plante received praise from Basil Burdett for her post-impressionist work.
A memorial exhibition was held at the Stanley Coe Gallery following her death in Melbourne on July 3, 1950.
Historical Significance and Legacy
Contribution to Australian Art: Ada May Plante played a crucial role in introducing and developing post-impressionist techniques within the Australian art landscape.
Artistic Community: Her practice of sharing living spaces with other artists fostered collaboration and exchange of ideas, enriching the Melbourne art community.
Plante’s work represents a significant chapter in the history of women artists in Australia, paving the way for future generations.
By the TopImpressionists.com Editorial Team
Art Quiz
There is only one correct answer for each question.
Question 1:
Ada May Plante was a founding member of which artistic group in Melbourne?
Question 2:
Before embracing Post-Impressionism, Plante's early work was influenced by the style of which artist?
Question 3:
Where did Ada May Plante receive formal art training after her family moved to Australia?
Question 4:
The 'Pink Hotel' at Darebin was significant for Plante as it was:
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