Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) will host Art Gallery of New South Wales’ touring exhibition Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio in June 2025 as the exhibition’s sole Victorian venue on its national tour.
Offering audiences around Australia a fascinating insight into the studio practice of one of the nation’s most gifted and revered artists, Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio draws from the collections of the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Brett Whiteley Studio in Sydney to present a selection of works across various media.
Featuring paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, and ceramics, the exhibition considers the role of Whiteley’s studio spaces in informing the scale and content of his works, and how they became an expression and extension of his artistic identity.
Included in the exhibition are some of Whiteley’s most iconic paintings, such as The balcony 2, 1975, and Self portrait in the studio, 1976, alongside early abstract works made in London and New York in the 1960s, and works from Whiteley’s final series, Paris ‘Regard de Côté’.
Rarely seen archival photographs from Whiteley’s time in studios across London, New York and Sydney show some of the artworks in various stages of completion, offering a glimpse into his creative world.
Whitely was one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, known for his vibrant and expressive works across painting, sculpture, and graphic arts. Born in Sydney, Whiteley’s artistic journey began early, and he quickly gained recognition for his unique style.
He won the prestigious Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman prizes multiple times, a testament to his exceptional talent. His works often depicted sensual interiors, nudes, and harbour scenes, heavily influenced by artists like Henri Matisse and Lloyd Rees. Despite his tumultuous personal life, including struggles with addiction, Whiteley’s legacy endures through his powerful and evocative art,
Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio is a touring exhibition from the Art Gallery of New South Wales and has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program. The exhibition will feature in SAM’s Lin Onus Gallery from 28 June to 31 August 2025.
Nick Yelverton, Art Gallery of New South Wales curator, Brett Whiteley Studio, said this is a unique opportunity for Victorian audiences to see iconic works by Whiteley.
“The works in this exhibition are highlights of both the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Brett Whiteley Studio collections in Sydney. We are excited to take Whiteley on the road and give interstate audiences the chance to delve into the life and mind of one of Australia’s most important artists.”
