Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio – an exhibition not to be missed!
GIFTED, fascinating, and revered, Brett Whiteley’s name is synonymous with Australian art at its very best. From June 28, audiences can experience a selection of this iconic artist’s diverse works up close at the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) in Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio.
Significantly, this is the only Victorian stop on a major national tour featuring works drawn from the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Brett Whiteley Studio in Sydney. This captivating exhibition offers local audiences a rare insight into the chaotic brilliance of an artist whose career spanned over three decades. Whiteley won the coveted Archibald, Sulman, and Wynne Prizes multiple times—famously taking out all three in 1978.
Acclaimed both in Australia and abroad, Whiteley is known for his dynamic paintings, intimate studio photographs, expressive charcoal sketches, and towering masterpieces such as Self-portrait in the studio and The balcony 2, both featured in this exhibition. His work has been part of major contemporary exhibitions across Australia and Europe, and is held in every major Australian museum, as well as prominent international collections.
A whirlwind of exceptional creativity, Inside the Studio provides a deeply personal look into Whiteley’s artistic process which were predominantly studio-based, where he worked at an easel, on a table, or directly on the floor, giving him full control over his creative space.
Whiteley began studio practice in the late 1950s, initially converting his parents’ glasshouse into a workspace. As he travelled during the 1960s, he continued his habit of working in living spaces, often blending life with art. His Surry Hills studio in Sydney, converted from a warehouse, became both home and creative base from 1988 until his death in 1992.
Alongside iconic paintings, the exhibition includes rarely seen archival photographs showing works in progress, offering a behind-the-scenes view of Whiteley’s world. Visitors can also enjoy a curated Spotify playlist, drawn from Whiteley’s personal vinyl collection, accessible via QR code in the gallery.
The exhibition will open with a sold-out launch event on Friday, June 27 at 6pm, featuring opening remarks and a special preview.
Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio is a free, ticketed exhibition at SAM from June 28 to October 5, 2025. Tickets for the first four weeks of the exhibition can now be pre-booked online via the SAM website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/whats-on/upcoming/brett-whiteley-inside-the-studio/
