An Unauthorised Life; Bret Whitely

by Margot Hilton

Genres: Art, Biography

321 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Sally Edsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two biographies of Whiteley that came out at about the same time. I recommend both. The other was written by his sister, Frannie Hopkirk. This is the more salacious of the two, and really gets into the dissolute life which led to Whiteley's accidental(?), certainly untimely death by heroin overdose. Read both, though the tension building to the climax is better in the Hopkirk volume.

[Jeremy Blank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A recent exhibition of several major works from Brett Whiteley at a local university reignited my interest in the artist’s work and life. His studio in Sydney was one of the first exciting art experiences I had in Australia. The Heroin Clock and large-scale multi panelled study being two immediate works of mention while the space itself, being only recently opened, had the inspirational energy of its creator dripping from every renovated and curated crevice. But that’s not this book! Brett Whiteley’s work and what is curated of his memory stand as tangible elements available for reflection where a visitor/viewer can imagine their experience of the artist’s vision and life.

My recent reading has been the lives of musicians, most recently Nick Drake, whose life was short, insular and private. Brett Whiteley was in some ways the opposite of the young English musician. Brash, showy, glamorous and a darling of the media Brett Whiteley’s public presence has been well documented. 40 pages of references at the end of the book support the narrative of the story which, without giving too much away, was probably necessary to avoid litigation.

When I started the book I didn’t like the style or the tone of the writing. I almost gave up on it as there seemed to be an agenda evident, or not clearly defined, that created a duality of statement regarding Whiteley’s life. I persevered and am glad that I did as once I had managed to adapt to the stylistic approach and accept that there was obviously something to come that would be contentious. That’s made clear by the end of the book.📕

I guess that my initial suspicions were valid in some sense given the last sections of the book. The authors had a good deal of work to organise their subject’s life in a manner that could be readily understood. The glamour and reality of addiction, sycophants and critics are indicated by grains of drip fed referenced hearsay.

This book would make an interesting basis for a STAN miniseries, where the characters would be the central feature of glamorous backdrops. After initially struggling with the style of the telling I could not put the book down by the end. An informative and entertaining book, there could have been better photos included though, but I guess that is part of the whole problem regarding the Whiteley estate’s control of the narrative.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivatingly written. I discovered I lot I didn't know about the man. I was intrigued by him before reading this book, loathed him for a quite awhile during the book, yet felt sympathy and despair for a man filled with so much talent but possessed by so much uncertainty. It's a book that will stay in my mind for a very long time.

[David Gagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written biography of one of Australia's greatest artists. It captures the genius of Whiteley, but also his obsessions, addictions and the balance of his Art with the fame it attracted. Fascinating insight.