EPISODE · Apr 29, 2025 · 56 MIN
The painting that changed Australia — the story of Blue Poles
from Big Ideas · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation
It's been called a coming-of-age story for a nation. The Whitlam Government's purchase of Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles in 1973 helped to bring down the government. So how did this abstract expressionist masterpiece become the most famous, most controversial artwork in Australia?Then: how does political portraiture affect how we feel about politicians — and how we vote? Jacqueline Maley looks at The Art in the Optics — and explains why political portraiture is more important than ever today.These events were recorded at the National Library of Australia on 3 March 2025 and the National Portrait Gallery on 20 March 2025.SpeakersTom McIlroyAuthor, Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the painting that changed the nationPolitical correspondent, Australian Financial ReviewNiki SavvaPolitical commentator and columnist, Sydney Morning Herald and The AgeJacqueline MaleyColumnist, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age
What this episode covers
It's been called a coming-of-age story for a nation. The Whitlam Government's purchase of Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles in 1973 helped to bring down the government. So how did this abstract expressionist masterpiece become the most famous, most controversial artwork in Australia? Then: how does political portraiture affect how we feel about politicians — and how we vote? Jacqueline Maley looks at The Art in the Optics — and explains why political portraiture is more important than ever today. These events were recorded at the National Library of Australia on 3 March 2025 and the National Portrait Gallery on 20 March 2025. Speakers Tom McIlroy Author, Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the painting that changed the nation Political correspondent, Australian Financial Review Niki Savva Political commentator and columnist, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Jacqueline Maley Columnist, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age
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The painting that changed Australia — the story of Blue Poles
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