Art teachers find Whiteley inspirational
High school teachers throughout Logan have a new appreciation for their city gallery’s connection to greatness in the art world, after visiting the Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio exhibition currently on show until 8 September.
Logan Art Gallery is the only gallery in Queensland and one of 4 regional galleries across Australia to host the exhibition, curated by Nick Yelverton from The Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Local teachers in visual arts were invited to a preview of the exhibition on the late Brett Whiteley, who is one of Australia’s most celebrated artists. Before Whiteley’s death in 1992 at age 53, he was a multiple winner of premier art prizes including the Archibald Prize, the Sir John Sulman Prize and the Wynne Prize.
Teachers Luana Davidson of Rochedale State High School, and Lyn Andrews of Loganlea State High School, say viewing the exhibition was inspirational. Both shared their experience with their art students to encourage them to visit as well.
‘With this exhibition being so close to home, the year 10, 11 and 12 students have been able to visit and have discussions around Whiteley’s visual response to objects, subject matter, and the journeys he went on,’ Lyn says, who is also coordinator of the Logan and District Art Head of Departments committee and the Artwaves Student Exhibition.
‘Quite a few were surprised by the size of some of the artworks – specifically ‘Self portrait in the studio’, 1976, that portrays an immersive life-size view of Whiteley’s lounge room overlooking the Sydney Harbour,’ she says.
She says some students questioned why such a famous artist would have work exhibited in Logan – their ‘hometown’.
‘I’ve always told my students that they are important, valued and have a voice worth listening to,’ Lyn says. ‘With the publicity around Whiteley’s exhibition, I think some of my students are actually starting to believe it.’
At the preview evening in July, Nick Yelverton, curator of the exhibition, and Education Lead Leeanne Carr, both from The Art Gallery of New South Wales, explained to teachers that Whiteley was a keen observer of his surroundings who collected items and always carried a sketchbook, ink pens and charcoals. Whiteley would encourage young artists to also carry these art tools and sketch what they saw, collect items, and be curious about the world around them.
Luana says she will be including Whiteley in her classes for Year 12 next year.
‘It was all the little details I didn’t realise about his work, like using some of his own hair for his portrait – I found that really fascinating and it made me look at his art on a different level,’ Luana says.
‘It was absolutely amazing just listening to the curator speak about the artist and the exhibition pieces, hearing his insights, and the art teachers were all involved in that conversation.
‘Whiteley is famous internationally and it’s huge to see a smaller space like Logan Art Gallery achieve such a great exhibition and to think of the teachers first for a private viewing is really nice.’
Lyn is also thrilled that the Brett Whiteley exhibition ‘has showcased our city’. ‘I have always known that we are worthy of promoting famous Australian art and supporting future artists in the making,’ Lyn says.
The Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio exhibition has free admission, and requires tickets that can be booked at lccqld.com/bw-tickets
Logan Art Gallery opening times are: Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 10 am – 5 pm; Wednesday: 10 am – 5 pm; Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm (Thursday 5 September will be open from 6 pm to 8 pm); Friday: 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday: 10 am – 2 pm. For more information visit Logan Arts at loganarts.com.au/bw
CAPTION: Teachers touring the Brett Whiteley exhibition at Logan Art Gallery, from left, Lyn Andrews from Loganlea State High School, Luana Davidson from Rochedale State High School, and Chris Ramsay from Calamvale Community College.
Installation views of ‘Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio’ at Logan Art Gallery, Queensland, an Art Gallery of New South Wales and Brett Whiteley Studio touring exhibition, artworks © Wendy Whiteley, photos © the artists.
