EPISODE · Dec 8, 2025 · 25 MIN
LNL Summer: Blue Poles, when a painting shocked Australia
from Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation
In 1973, the Australian government acquired the painting Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock for $1.3 million AUD. It created huge division in Australia, and arguably contributed to the downfall of the Whitlam Government. A new book revisits this important intersection of art and politics. Guest: Tom McIlroy, political editor at Guardian Australia, Author of 'Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the Painting that Changed a Nation’ (Hachette)Producer: Ann ArnoldOriginally broadcast February 26, 2025
What this episode covers
In 1973, the Australian government acquired the painting Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock for $1.3 million AUD. It created huge division in Australia, and arguably contributed to the downfall of the Whitlam Government. A new book revisits this important intersection of art and politics. Guest: Tom McIlroy, political editor at Guardian Australia, Author of 'Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the Painting that Changed a Nation’ (Hachette) Producer: Ann Arnold Originally broadcast February 26, 2025
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LNL Summer: Blue Poles, when a painting shocked Australia
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