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Blue Poles
Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the Painting That Changed the Nation
By Tom McIlroy
Published by Hachette Australia
ISBN 99780733651960
The acquisition of the painting Blue Poles for the new Australian National Art Gallery in Canberra caused a great deal of controversy both in Australia and America.
This eye-opening, in-depth biographical story behind the controversy, including Jackson Pollock, iconic American artist, the art collectors of note in America, the new national art gallery in Canberra which was not yet built at the time of the purchase and the extraordinary decisions taken to acquire Blue Poles, is fascinating reading.
Jackson Pollock, growing up in a different family to his biological parents, with a different birth name, his siblings and his decision from an early age that he would be a painter, all form interesting aspects to the development of his path to becoming America's most important painter.
About half the book focuses on these early years, his relationships, his extraordinary lifestyle and meeting Lee Krasner, who was to become, what appears to be, his long suffering and supportive wife. She stayed with him through the rough and tumble of Pollock's affairs, his heavy drinking and the development of his painting life until his tragic death.
The book delves into the details about Pollock's entree into the art circle, which included renowned patron, Peggy Guggenheim, avid art collector, Ben Heller, several famous artists, and the sometimes difficult relationship between Guggenheim and Lee Krasner. Reading the accounts of the speculation around the creation of Blue Poles, firmly quashed by Lee Krasner, made me wonder why this happened. Reading how Pollock created this masterpiece I could understand how this also caused more than raised eyebrows, although I comment, why not?
Several background stories really make this intriguing reading.
For example, the story behind James Mollison, the first director of the Australian National Gallery, (later renamed the National Gallery of Australia) acquiring the painting for Australia, from the Heller family in New York. The close consultation with then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, is further enhanced by the enormous outcry by those who opposed paying what was perceived to be an outrageous price. Many didn't believe it was worthwhile and there is an interesting story about Mrs Frances English, a Canberra art lover and collector of antiques and beautiful things for her shop, and her famous five-page letters protesting the purchase.
Another is quite amusing and true story of James Mollison's appointment as the first director of the Australian National Gallery. He was consulting on the project, but had no intention of leaving his post as the director of the art gallery in Bendigo. However, the pseudo meeting which turned out be an interview, and his father's comments upon hearing the extraordinary offer made to him, persuaded him to take up the post.
The sale was just as upsetting for Americans, and particularly the Heller family who, although they wanted to sell Blue Poles, they were emotionally attached to it, seeing it everyday in their home for many years. Ben Heller particularly so, because of his close friendship with Jackson Pollock.
Sadly, Pollock's lust for excitement led to an early death but these larger-than-life accounts that surrounded his artistic practice live on as does the Pollock-Krasner museum which was their home.This is a throughly enjoyable and compelling book showing in-depth research with many revealing stories from Australia's recent art and political history.
Blue Poles Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the Painting That Changed the Nation is a must read.
The Author
Tom McIlroy is a political correspondent with the Australian Financial Review, reporting from the press gallery at Parliament House. Born and raised in Melbourne, he has reported for a range of newspapers in Australia and overseas, including The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Ballarat Courier, Canberra Times and Houston Chronicle.
A graduate of Melbourne University and RMIT University, McIlroy has been featured in a range of publications including Meanjinand Art Monthly Australasia. Based in Canberra, he writes on national politics, the arts, tax and the economy. Blue Poles is his first book.
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