Christie Series
Brett Whiteley aligned himself with a group of rising artists in British contemporary art known as 'The Next Generation'. It was the swinging sixties and a new era of societal and sexual liberation; art became a reflection of the attitudes and value of that generation.
In this atmosphere, artists produced paintings of contemporary urban imagery, with a leaning towards menace, violence and ambiguity, reflecting the towering reputation and influence of Francis Bacon.
(K. Sutherland. (2010). Brett Whiteley: A Sensual Line 1957-67. Macmillan Art
Publishing: Victoria)
Christie, 1965. OIl, pen, ink, gouache, charcoal, wash
and collage on paper. 78.8 x 57.3cm.
"In its subject and its presentation the Christie series was a characteristically audacious manoeuvre calculated to meet the challenge set down by Whiteley's peers and the authority of Bacon... by ratcheting up the emotional and sensational pitch of the new series, Whiteley was certain to create a stir... he was always on the lookout for topical and provocative subject matter" (Sutherland, 2010, pp. 114-115).
What is Sutherland saying in this quote? What is meant by the term 'topical'? What is meant by the term 'provocative'? |
Christie and Hectorina McLennan, 1964-65. Oil, wax, charcoal and collaged cloth on canvas; painted wood, object wrapped in cloth inset behind perspex. 162.9 x 214cm.
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The Christie series caused consternation (concern), even with some of his most ardent admirers…Whiteley decided to follow Francis Bacon’s lead more directly with a series of paintings on the theme of the necrophilia murderer John Christie.
"Whiteley felt compelled to reject beauty and show that sex could manifest itself in ways that were evil and destructive". -Barry Pearce
What does the term 'necrophilia' mean?
"Whiteley felt compelled to reject beauty and show that sex could manifest itself in ways that were evil and destructive". -Barry Pearce
What does the term 'necrophilia' mean?
"...It was to do with the recognition that evil and ugliness, good and beauty, all coexist..” (Source unknown, taken from a previous school resource). Click HERE. List FOUR important points about who Christie was and what he did. |
Christie and Kathleen Maloney, 1964. Charcoal and colour was on paper and board. 160 x 152.4cm.
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"A lack of precise focus makes it difficult to maintain a reading. It creates a tense atmosphere that elicits questions, and those questions demand further examination and a prolonged reading to enable a viewer to decipher the image" (Sutherland, 2010, p. 128).
How does this description of the artwork reflect the murder case itself?
Small Christie Painting 1, 1965. Oil, encaustic, tempera
and collage of cotton fabric, on plywood. 86.2 x 86.2cm.
ACTIVITY:
FRAMES:
1. Select TWO artworks from the Christie Series.
Describe the visual qualities of the work with particular focus on how it symbolises the situation from which it was inspired.
2. Explain why the Christie Series would have challenged the audience.
Refer to at least one artwork in your response.
PRACTICE:
3. Compare and contrast Whiteley's artmaking practice with that of Francis Bacon.
Refer to at least two artworks in your response.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK:
4. What impact did events of the time have on Whiteley and the artworks he created?
1. Select TWO artworks from the Christie Series.
Describe the visual qualities of the work with particular focus on how it symbolises the situation from which it was inspired.
2. Explain why the Christie Series would have challenged the audience.
Refer to at least one artwork in your response.
PRACTICE:
3. Compare and contrast Whiteley's artmaking practice with that of Francis Bacon.
Refer to at least two artworks in your response.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK:
4. What impact did events of the time have on Whiteley and the artworks he created?
Created by N. Usher for Gilroy Catholic College, 2014.