Birds held a poignant place in Whiteley’s visual language. He had loved them since his childhood, and in his last phase of work they represented a yearning at once for domestic stability and personal freedom. Whiteley captured their personality, humour, character in all moments, with charcoal, paint, brush and ink and in sculptural forms of plaster, bronze and wood.
Join Studio coordinator Alec George in conversation with Wendy Whiteley about key works in the exhibition. Look for the corresponding number on the wall to follow their path.

Image:
Brett Whiteley
Alchemy   1972-73 (Detail)
oil and mixed media on wood, 205.8 x 1617 cm
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Purchased by the New South Wales State Government 1994, transferred to the Gallery 1998
© Wendy Whiteley

Brett Whiteley 'Alchemy'

Art Gallery of NSW