Brett Whiteley was one of the most influential and innovative Australian artists of the 20th century. His art style was eclectic, expressive and experimental, drawing from various sources and influences, such as abstract expressionism, figurative art, landscapes, and Eastern philosophy. Here is an article that introduces his art style and some of his major works.
Abstract expressionism: Whiteley was inspired by the American abstract expressionists, especially Willem de Kooning, whom he met in New York in 1967. He adopted their use of bold colours, gestural brushstrokes, and large-scale canvases to create dynamic and energetic paintings that expressed his emotions and sensations. Some examples of his abstract expressionist works are The American dream 1968-691, The pink heron 19692, and The night cafe 1971-723.
Figurative art: Whiteley also explored the human figure, especially the female nude, as a subject of his art. He was fascinated by the sensuality and eroticism of the human body, and often depicted his lovers and muses in intimate and provocative poses. He also used his own self-portraits to reflect on his identity, addiction, and mortality. Some examples of his figurative works are Self portrait in the studio 19764, Art, life and the other thing 19785, and Wendy 1984.
Landscapes: Whiteley had a strong connection to the natural environment, especially the Australian landscape and the Sydney harbour. He painted many scenes of the places he lived in or visited, capturing their beauty, atmosphere, and mood. He used vibrant colours, organic shapes, and lyrical lines to create a sense of harmony and movement in his landscapes. Some examples of his landscape works are Sofala 1958, Big orange sunset 1974, and Remembering Lao Tse (Shaving off a second) 1967.
Eastern philosophy: Whiteley was influenced by the philosophy and aesthetics of Zen Buddhism and Taoism, which he encountered during his travels to Japan, China, and Bali. He incorporated elements of Eastern art, such as calligraphy, ink painting, and symbolism, into his own style. He also experimented with different media and techniques, such as collage, sculpture, and hair, to create unique and original works. Some examples of his Eastern-inspired works are The Balinese garden 1984, Alchemy 1972-73, and The summer at Carcoar 1977.
Brett Whiteley: An Artistic Odyssey
1. Early Years and Influences
Brett Whiteley was born in Sydney, Australia, in 1939. His artistic journey began early, fueled by an innate curiosity and a penchant for sketching. As a young boy, he explored the streets of Sydney, capturing its vibrancy and energy. His exposure to European art during his formative years left an indelible mark. The works of Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Francis Bacon stirred his imagination, igniting a passion that would shape his future.
2. Abstract Expressionism: A Burst of Emotion
In the 1960s, Whiteley embarked on a transformative phase. His encounter with abstract expressionism in New York City was pivotal. Inspired by Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock, he embraced bold colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and large canvases. His paintings became emotional landscapes, reflecting inner turmoil and raw intensity. “The American Dream” (1968-69) and “The Pink Heron” (1969) exemplify this period of artistic exploration.
3. Figurative Art: The Human Form as Muse
Whiteley’s fascination with the human figure led him to explore sensuality, intimacy, and vulnerability. His depictions of nudes—often his lovers and muses—reveal a delicate balance between desire and introspection. “Self Portrait in the Studio” (1976) and “Art, Life, and the Other Thing” (1978) capture the essence of his figurative style. His self-portraits, marked by haunting eyes and disheveled hair, invite viewers into his psyche.
4. Landscapes: A Love Affair with Nature
The Australian landscape coursed through Whiteley’s veins. From the Sydney harbor to the rugged outback, he painted nature’s grandeur and subtleties. His landscapes pulsate with color and movement. “Big Orange Sunset” (1974) bathes the canvas in fiery hues, while “Remembering Lao Tse (Shaving off a Second)” (1967) evokes tranquility. His brush danced across the canvas, capturing the eucalyptus-scented air and the sun’s warm embrace.
5. Eastern Philosophy: Zen and Taoism
Whiteley’s travels to Japan, China, and Bali introduced him to Eastern philosophy. Zen Buddhism and Taoism seeped into his art, infusing it with contemplation and simplicity. His ink paintings, calligraphic strokes, and symbolic motifs echo ancient traditions. “The Balinese Garden” (1984) and “Alchemy” (1972-73) embody this fusion of East and West. Whiteley sought harmony—the delicate balance between chaos and serenity.
6. Legacy and Reflections
Whiteley’s life was marked by triumphs and struggles. His addiction battles and emotional turbulence found expression on canvas. His premature death in 1992 left a void, but his legacy endures. His art invites us to explore our own depths, to embrace beauty and imperfection. Whether through abstract swirls or intimate portraits, Whiteley beckons us to see beyond the surface—to feel, question, and connect.
In summary, Brett Whiteley’s art style transcends labels. It is a symphony of color, emotion, and introspection—an invitation to explore the human condition. So, next time you stand before a Whiteley masterpiece, let your gaze linger. Feel the brushstrokes, hear the whispers of the canvas, and know that art, like life, is a journey of discovery.
Conclusion
In the vibrant strokes of Brett Whiteley’s canvas, we find more than mere art; we discover a symphony of human experience. His journey through abstraction, figuration, and landscapes mirrors our own quest for identity, passion, and connection. As we stand before his masterpieces, we glimpse our shared vulnerability—the raw emotions that transcend time and space.
Whiteley’s art style defies confinement. It dances between chaos and serenity, like a tempest-tossed sea finding solace in the moon’s reflection. His abstract expressionism roars with unbridled passion, while his figurative works whisper secrets of longing and introspection. The Australian landscape, with its eucalyptus-scented air, becomes our own sanctuary—a place to breathe, dream, and remember.
And then, there’s the Eastern thread woven into his canvas. Zen brushstrokes and Taoist simplicity beckon us to pause, to find stillness amid life’s cacophony. In “The Balinese Garden,” we taste the exotic fragrance of frangipani blossoms; in “Alchemy,” we glimpse the alchemical transformation of self.
But perhaps the true essence of Whiteley lies beyond the paint and canvas. It resides in the questions he poses: Who are we? What drives us? How do we navigate love, addiction, and mortality? His premature departure reminds us that art, like life, is fleeting—a fragile dance of creation and dissolution.
So, let us linger in the gallery, our eyes tracing the contours of his strokes. Let us feel the pulse of existence—the ache, the ecstasy, the longing. For in Whiteley’s art, we find not answers, but companionship. And as we step back into the world, we carry a piece of his soul—a reminder that our stories, too, are worth painting. 🎨✨
FAQs for the article about Brett Whiteley’s art style:
- Who was Brett Whiteley? Brett Whiteley was an Australian painter who was admired for his sensuous power, superb draftsmanship, and celebrity status. He worked across painting, sculpture and the graphic arts, and is best known for his interiors, nudes and harbour scenes12.
- What influenced Brett Whiteley’s art style? Brett Whiteley was influenced by various artists and movements, such as Lloyd Rees, Russell Drysdale, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh, Francis Bacon, abstract expressionism, and pop art. He also drew inspiration from his travels, experiences, and personal life123.
- What are some of Brett Whiteley’s famous works? Brett Whiteley created many iconic works, such as Sofala 1958, The American dream 1968-69, Self portrait in the studio 1976, Art, life and the other thing 1978, and The balcony 2 1975. He won several prestigious awards, such as the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes12.
- What are some of Brett Whiteley’s techniques? Brett Whiteley used various techniques and media, such as painting, drawing, collage, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. He was known for his expressive and exaggerated features, his visualization of motion, his lyrical and playful lines, and his vibrant and contrasting colours345.
