Revisiting the Female Form: Brett Whiteley's Art Through Modern Eyes
But I think, looking at the way Whiteley chose his subjects, the way he chose to depict his subjects, the milieu in which he was prominent, the period in which he was prominent, yes, of course there were problematic things for our contemporary eye, but at the same time it doesn't mean that we can disregard these works.
Brett Whiteley, a name synonymous with Australian art, often drew inspiration from the female form. But how do we view these works today? In this thought-provoking episode of 'Art, life and the other thing', host Fenella Kernebone dives into this very question. She is joined by curator Anne Ryan, Wendy Whiteley, and artists Mitch Cairns and Deborah Kelly.
Together, they explore how Whiteley's depictions of women fit into the broader history of art and the ongoing conversation about the male gaze. They also examine how these works can be critiqued through a contemporary lens. The panel doesn't shy away from discussing the problematic aspects of Whiteley's work. They stress the importance of understanding the cultural and artistic context in which he created his pieces.
Alongside these critical discussions, they delve into the feminist art movement and the power of artistic collaboration. If you're curious about how historical artworks hold up in today's society or want to hear diverse perspectives on representation in art, this episode is for you.