Brett Whiteley, Night Café 1972.
Alex McDonald - Brett Whiteley Studio
26 July 2004
Tucked away in a narrow lane in Surrey Hills, the Brett Whiteley Studio is relatively inconspicuous, looking like any number of converted warehouses in the area. Its low-key exterior is incredibly effective in producing gasps of excitement from visitors entering the ground floor gallery, which is filled with some of Whiteley’s most iconic works. To the right of the entrance is the epic, multi-panelled mural Alchemy (1972-3), which, because of its size, is one of the few permanent residents in the Studio. To the left is a large, bright orange view of Lavender Bay, a panorama that characterised Whiteley’s output. Several sculptures stand in the centre of the room, made from such materials as a shark’s jaw, animal bones, timber and metal. Other works combine sculpture and painting, such as To Yirrawalla (1972) which places a stuffed platypus within the painted landscape. This varied body of works confirms Whiteley’s status as one of this country’s most self-assured artists.
A second, smaller room on the ground floor reveals his knack for imitating the styles of his heroes, with Picasso, Van Gogh and Bacon all rendered with virtuosic ease. Night Café (1972) for instance, recreates Van Gogh’s Starry Night within a brightly lit (and highly psychedelic) pool hall. Beside this piece are a series of drawings of Van Gogh’s eyes. These sketches capture the intensity of the man while also revealing Whiteley’s remarkable drawing skills.
Upstairs provides a more intimate view of Brett Whiteley’s life. Photos and postcards are plastered around the walls of his working space. Quotations from Bob Dylan and Albert Einstein cover the walls above the artist’s collection of books and sketchpads. An unfinished work stands alongside easels and scattered cans of paint. The atmosphere in this part of the museum is understandably sombre, hinting at the obvious fact that Whiteley died well before his time.
Apart from the new tin roof, very little has changed at the Brett Whiteley Studio since the artist first moved into the building in 1988. This historic site has since 1993 been lovingly maintained, keeping the space close to how it was when Whiteley lived there; with his bed, clothes, library and furniture all left untouched. As a result the studio has a slightly eerie feel, perhaps because the artist’s death is still fairly recent history. But ultimately, the decision to turn this one-time t-shirt factory into a museum dedicated to preserving Brett Whiteley’s art (as well as the memory of his life) was an astute one, leaving a dynamic monument for future generations.
More Information
Brett Whiteley Studio
Open on Saturdays, Sundays, Thursdays and Fridays
Admission: $7 Adults / $5 Concession
Details: (02) 9225 1740
Website: http://www.brettwhiteley.org/
