An exhibition showcasing the talents of the Archibald Prize-winning Brett Whiteley launched at the Logan Art Gallery over the weekend.
Whiteley’s works are some of the most celebrated in Australia and Logan is one of only four regional galleries across the country, and the only one in Queensland, to exhibit the pieces.
The exhibition’s curator, Nick Yelverton from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, said the new touring exhibition offered audiences a “fascinating insight” into the studio practice of one of Australia’s most gifted and revered artists.
“Whiteley is one of the most instantly recognisable names in Australian art,” Mr Yelverton said.
“This exhibition brings together some standout paintings as well as some lesser-known gems to give viewers a real sense of an artist at work.
“Featuring important artworks from the collections of both the Brett Whiteley Studio and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, this is a rare chance for interstate audiences to experience the work of Whiteley that they may have never seen before.”
The free exhibition features Mr Whiteley’s paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, collage, ceramics and sketchbooks.
Mr Whiteley was a multiple winner of the three premier art prizes in Australia – the Archibald Prize (1976, 1978), the Sir John Sulman Prize (1976, 1978) and the Wynne Prize (1977, 1978 and 1984).
He died in 1992 at the age of 53.
The Logan Art Gallery exhibition will feature some of Whiteley’s lesser known, earlier artworks from the 1960s, as well as pieces from his final series, Paris ‘Regard de Côté’.
The exhibition will be accompanied by separately booked events, including DJ sessions, Sunday movie presentations and an artists’ studio bus tour.
Logan’s mayor Jon Raven said Logan City Council was looking forward to delivering this exhibition of Brett Whiteley’s works and showcasing his artistic talent.
“We are extremely proud to be the only Queensland location hosting this exhibition as we want to become known as a centre for arts and culture in south east Queensland,” Cr Raven said.
“In Logan we strive to offer interesting and unique opportunities within our city.
“This is a rare opportunity for people to get up close to the works of an iconic Australian artist, and we want as many people as possible to act on their chance to see this amazing exhibition.”
Tickets to the Brett Whiteley exhibition are free and can be booked at lccqld.com/bw-tickets.
Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio is on display at Logan Art Gallery until Sunday 8 September.
It will then travel to Perth, Orange and Ballarat.
