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Articles on Brett Whiteley

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Leigh Melrose as Brett Whiteley in Opera Australia’s 2019 production of Whiteley at the Sydney Opera House. The opera focuses on the artist’s addictions and his relationship with his wife. Prudence Upton

Opera Australia’s Whiteley brings together 3 icons to tell the artist’s complicated story

A new opera focuses more on the personal life of artist Brett Whiteley than his artistic creations. As the opera reveals, a life like Whiteley’s does not offer a clear moral message.
Detail from Brett Whiteley. Sacred baboon 1975 brush and ink, wood stain, watercolour, gouache and cut printed colour illustration on cardboard 81.6 x 67.6 cm National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased, 1978 (A23-1978) © Wendy Whiteley

An ape in anguish: Brett Whiteley’s Sacred baboon

Throughout his life, Brett Whiteley made images of apes and monkeys. He found much in their character and physiognomy to identify with.
Brett Whiteley: his colourful biography frequently obscures the seriousness of his work. Transmission films

Whiteley: a seductive cinematic portrait of a serious artist

Brett Whiteley’s output was uneven but at his best, his work was brilliant. A new film offers an unusual insight into the life and art of this creative and troubled maverick.
Big Blue Lavender Bay, one of the three paintings at the centre of trial. AAP Image/Genevieve Gannon

Is your artwork genuine and who can you trust to advise you?

The conviction of two men in relation to the sale of forged Brett Whiteley paintings indicates that Australia needs to get its act together when it comes to authenticating artworks.
A recent book of Brett Whiteley’s drawings reveals his extraordinary talents as a draughtsman. Wendy sleeping (1973). Pen, brush and brown ink. 29.9x33.4 cm. Brett Whiteley Estate © Wendy Whiteley. Beagle Press

Brett Whiteley’s drawings reveal the artist as a master draughtsman

Some 23 years after his death, Australian artist Brett Whitely’s vision continues to have resonance and will likely remain a defining representation of late 20th century Australia.

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