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Brett Whiteley
Art, Life and the Other Thing
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Check link for latest rating. ( 114 ratings, 12 reviews)
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Description
Written with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, this acclaimed biography reveals for the first time the full portrait of Australia's most celebrated artist.
When he died in 1992, Brett Whiteley left behind decades of ceaseless activity - some works bound to a particular place or time, others that are masterpieces of light and line.
Whiteley had arrived in Europe in 1960 determined to make an impression. Before long, he was the youngest artist to have work acquired by the Tate. With his wife, Wendy, and daughter, Arkie, Whiteley then immersed himself in bohemian New York. But within two years he fled, having failed to break through.
Back in Sydney, he soon became Australia's most celebrated artist. He won the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes in the same year - his prices soared, as did his fame. Among his friends were Francis Bacon and Patrick White, Billy Connolly and Dire Straits. Yet addiction was taking its toll - Whiteley struggled in vain to separate his talent from his disease, and an inglorious end approached.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Ashleigh Wilson's biography of Brett Whiteley has been praised for its engaging portrayal of the artist's life, offering a detailed, well-researched account that is both intimate and thrilling. Critics have highlighted Wilson's ability to balance admiration and critical analysis, providing a vivid and captivating narrative that details Whiteley's artistic journey and personal struggles. The biography is noted for delivering a clear-eyed and absorbing examination of Whiteley's complex character and artistic legacy.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781925498745
Publisher: Text Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 30 October 2017
Country: Australia
Imprint: The Text Publishing Company
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 38.0mm
Width: 154.0mm
Height: 232.0mm
Weight: 640g
Pages: 432
About the Author
Ashleigh Wilson began his career at the Australian in Sydney before spending several years in Brisbane, then becoming the paper's Darwin correspondent. He won a Walkley Award for reports on unethical behaviour in the Aboriginal art industry. He has been the Arts editor since 2011 and lives in Sydney with his partner and son.
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