Unraveling 'Alchemy': Brett Whiteley's Artistic Odyssey
He is an artist trying to change the world, and he thought he could do that through art, and a lot of artists, especially young artists, think that that's possible.
Brett Whiteley's 'Alchemy' isn't just a painting; it's a journey from birth to enlightenment, captured on canvas. In this final episode of 'Art, life and the other thing', Fenella Kernebone dives deep into one of Whiteley's most ambitious works. She chats with curator Anne Ryan, Wendy Whiteley, artist Abdul Abdullah, and biographer Ashleigh Wilson, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. Ever wondered what inspired Whiteley's narrative? Or how his romanticized view of painting shaped his career?
This episode tackles these questions head-on. You'll also hear about Whiteley's relationship with fellow artist Lloyd Rees and the broader impact of his work on Australian art. Plus, there's a discussion on the often-overlooked piece in Australia's art puzzle. Through these conversations, you'll gain a richer understanding of 'Alchemy' and the man behind it. As Abdul Abdullah aptly puts it, 'Brett's trying to get something down on the canvas, or rather a whole lot of things down'.
Tune in to explore how Whiteley's art mirrors his life's journey and its lasting legacy.