The Rose in Art: From Aphrodite to Barbie
A bold new exhibition at Carrick Hill traces the cultural life of the rose from ancient myth to modern icon.
The rose—seductive and sacred, political and playful—has blossomed in art for millennia. The Rose in Art: From Aphrodite to Barbie, explores the powerful symbolism of the rose from religious art and genre painting to high fashion and pop culture—from the worship of Aphrodite to the iconic Barbie.
The exhibition invites visitors on a journey through art to explore the rose reimagined over two thousand years. It features classical sculpture, still life painting, and contemporary art, with highlights such as Meissen porcelain, Fantin Latour and Elsa Schiaparelli.
A season of rose-themed events will run alongside the exhibition, including guided tours of Carrick Hill’s historic heritage rose collection, talks, workshops and the launch of a new publication on the history of rose growing in Australia- Potpourri for Rose Lovers and Gardeners by Trevor Nottle.
The rose is more than a flower—it’s a symbol that has been endlessly reinvented. Whether adored, cultivated, worn, or mass-produced, the rose continues to captivate.
The Rose in Art: From Aphrodite to Barbie opens Wednesday 13 August and runs until Sunday 30 November 2025.
TOURS & TALKS
Curator Tour with Susan McCormack | 17th September 6.00pm & 22nd October 6.00pm BOOK HERE
Lexie Mincham & Paul Lindon | A journey through time with roses | 24th September 6.00pm BOOK HERE
Trevor Nottle | Potpourri for Rose Lovers and Gardeners | 13th November 6.00pm BOOK HERE
Guided Exhibition Tours | Visit our website for dates, times and bookings. Private Group Tours | email admin.carrick@sa.gov.au.
WORKSHOPS
Drawing Roses with Gilbert RM Dashorst | Adelaide Central School of Arts | 4th October 10.00am COMING SOON
Pressed Flower Workshop | The Green Room Adelaide | 16th November 1.00pm COMING SOON
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Watercolour Roses for 10-14 year olds | Nature Creative | 1st October 10am-11.30pm & 12.30pm-2.00pm COMING SOON
Watercolour Roses for 5-9 year olds | Nature Creative | 3rd October 10am-11.30pm & 12.30pm-2.00pm COMING SOON
Flower Crown/Mask Making & Flower Pressing Workshop | Nature Play SA | 9th October 10.30am-12.30pm COMING SOON
