BRETT WHITELEY - Views of Sydney

works on paper 1970's & 1980's

14 February - 3 March 2012

At the core of all Brett Whiteley’s work was an exceptional facility with draftsmanship. The artist was capable of capturing within the sweep of a few brief lines and brush strokes, the poetic beauty of the Australian landscape. In his own words “To draw on the beach with a sharp stick, and let the waves come up and erase it is a wonderful way of learning how to draw economically….(with verve).” (Quote from Brett Whiteley ‘Recent Nudes’ catalogue, Oct 1981).

Brett Whiteley enjoyed one of the most prodigious careers in Australia’s art history. Throughout his years in Britain, Europe and the Unites States prior to returning to settle in Australia permanently in the late 1960’s, the artist absorbed influences from many of the world’s most important artistic figures. These included members of both the abstract expressionist and pop art movements.

This exhibition brings together a number of magnificent works on paper which exemplify the artists extraordinary ability to capture the very essence of his wide ranging subject matter. Including sensual landscapes, Palm Trees, Willows and Moreton Bay Figs, together with exquisite observations of Australian bird life.