Brett Whiteley first exhibited images of the zoo in 1965 London alongside his famed Christie series, a confronting body of work about the serial killer John Christie. In contrast to the violent imagery of Christie, his playful images of zoo life were encapsulations of immediacy, energy and character.

When Whiteley returned to Australia, he lived within walking distance of Taronga Zoo and would often go there to draw. The zoo was a sacred place for Whiteley. An anonymous voyeur among the animals, he found truths about human nature here, a release from city life and infinite formal inspiration. His 1981 drawing 'Young Primate' is a small yet enigmatic portrait of a monkey, its large black eyes staring back at the viewer. This small work is a hand-signed dedication to 'Brian and Kaye' for his book 'Zoo', which is included on the verso of this framed work.

Whiteley’s work is represented across Australian public collections and internationally at the Tate Gallery in London and MoMA in New York. An adjunct of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, his studio has become a permanent public gallery. For collector’s of important Australian art, Whiteley is a prize.

Brett WHITELEY (1939 - 1992)
'Young Primate' 1981
pen on paper
Image Size: 18 x 18 cm
Dimensions: 30 x 25 cm
Signed: signed lower right Brett Whiteley / Mar 81; inscribed upper centre: for Brian + Kaye plus signed copy with dedication of the book Zoo by Brett Whiteley

Comes with Letter of Provenance

Brett Whiteley Zoo book is included with the drawing

Condition: excellent

(c) Brett Whiteley / Copyright Agency