The 1930s were a time of rapid modernisation in Australia, with construction and engineering feats, such as fast rail and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, butting up against the political and social upheaval of the Great Depression and the second world war.

A new exhibition at NGV Australia, Brave New World: Australia 1930s, highlights how Australian artists and designers captured this moment in history. The exhibition spans photography, painting, sculpture, design, architecture and fashion and features more than 200 pieces, including works by Arthur Boyd, Albert Tucker, Grace Cossington Smith, Max Dupain and Albert Namatjira.

• Brave New World: Australia 1930s is showing at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 14 July