Madonna Staunton: A Pioneer of Australian Modernism Madonna Pearl Staunton (1938–2019) stands as a singular figure in Australian art history, recognized for her distinctive approach to collage and assemblage—a medium she embraced with unwavering dedication over five decades. Born Murwillumbah, NSW, Australia, Staunton’s artistic journey began modestly, nurtured by her mother's encouragement and formal instruction from luminaries like Roy Churcher, Bronwyn Yeates (Thomas), Nevil Matthews, and Jon Molvig. Early influences included poetry, literature, music—particularly Zen Buddhism—and a profo…