THIS CULTURAL LIFE – 23 June 2022

This Arts Thursday, join Maisy Stapleton and Paula Towers for the Arts Thursday radiothon show.

First up we visit the Art Gallery of NSW’s Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills where a special exhibition of Brett Whiteley’s painted ceramics is on view. Over 40 ceramic works are to be found in the exhibition Brett Whiteley: Blue and White, as well as paintings and drawings where various pots, some of which are in the exhibition, are portrayed.

Beatrice Gralton

Whiteley and his former wife Wendy collected blue and white ware – from domestic willow pattern to Moroccan pots. This led the painter to experiment with ceramic forms as a basis of his artmaking, depicting a range of themes in vivid blue on sinuous pots, platters and vase shapes – usually thrown by potters to his specifications.

Beatrice Gralton explains the background to this exhibition and her plans for the gallery following her recent appointment to the role of Senior Curator of the Brett Whiteley studio.

Stu Spence

Then meet local local photographer Stuart Spence with a career spanning over 37 years, covering many genres including portraiture and reportage, advertising, marketing and fine arts.

His works have featured on record and magazine covers – locally and internationally, his ad campaigns are seen in digital and print media, while his fine art has been exhibited across Australia, with works held in permanent collections of The National Portrait Gallery and The National Library of Australia.

Every day he walks up to South Head and has compiled some beautiful – at times painterly – images with various birds, boats and occasionally people inhabiting them.

Another project crosses art forms – involving well-known Australian musicians composing music inspired by his works.

Music: The work of both artists is associated with music. Brett Whiteley listened to music as he worked and Stu encourages musicians to make work inspired by his art. We’ll play some selected tracks related to both artists.

For further information:

Brett Whiteley: Blue and White: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/brett-whiteley-blue-and-white/

Stuart Spence: https://www.stuspence.com/

DON’T WORRY IF YOU MISS THE PROGRAM!

If you miss our program, you can listen again by going to https://eastsidefm.org/arts/artsthursday/ and clicking on the date 23 June 2022.

Tune into Arts Thursday with Maisy Stapleton and Paula Towers every fortnight from 10:30 to noon for insights into our arts and cultural life