Brett Whiteley is a legend of Australian art. Despite his tragic death 27 years ago, Australia is still transfixed by rebel, icon and artist. You can visit his studio, see his drawings at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, take in a Whiteley opera or take one of his works home. An opportunity to revisit the enigma, here is a guide to everything Whiteley. Welcome to Whiteley’s world.
The poetry lives on. Brett Whiteley - 'Poem for a Lover'.
Your Weekend Guide to Brett Whiteley
- Escape into Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden
Not sign posted and without official opening hours, Wendy's magical garden in Lavender Bay on Sydney Harbour truly is secret. It's also free.
- Wear Whiteley
Australian label Aje created a line of clothes printed with Whiteley works.
- See Whiteley
Till March 31st, the Australian Gallery of New South Wales is hosting an exhibition of Whiteley's drawings called 'Drawing is Everything'.
- Hear Whiteley
For only two weeks in July 2019, there will be a Whiteley opera at the Sydney Opera House.
- Visit Whiteley's studio
Open Friday to Sunday from 4 - 10pm in Surry Hills, this is must see.
- Watch Whiteley
Available online, is the recent documentary about Whiteley's life. See the stirring trailer above.
Take Whiteley Home
Whiteley lived a thousand lives and through these performances, clothes and more, has become part of many more. If you'd like to bring Whiteley into you and your family's home, we can help.
Known for his visceral paintings, Whiteley was also a devout proponent of printmaking. Through the challenges of each medium, Whiteley believed there was opportunity for artistic discovery. In our coveted collection of graphics, his faith and aptitude for the medium is brazen. In Whiteley’s words, here lies the printmaker’s promise of uniting “craft and vision”.
Among the Whiteley works for offer are screenprints, etching and lithographs. In the above work - a poetic, sparing lithograph, Whiteley captures his subject's form with just a few strokes. This work is indicative of an artist who's will to create was as fundamental as a need to breathe.
In the Whiteley's own words, “a good print should have the same feeling of ‘rightness’ that a one off drawing has”. And in this case, it does. Widely collected and an Australian icon, Whiteley articulated the sweet and sad poetry of life.