FIRST FRIDAY BOOK CLUB | Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the Painting that changed a Nation by Tom McIlroy

Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the painting that changed a nation, details how Jackson Pollock rose to fame, the negotiations that led to the artwork's move to the National Gallery of Australia, and the many successes and turbulent turns in between. In 1973 the Australian government purchased Jackson Pollack’s painting ‘Blue Poles’ for more than $1.4 million. The controversy that followed snared many issues, from the painting itself, the record price paid for the work and the Whitlam government’s arts policy to the artist and his artistic circle which included renowned patron, Peggy Guggenheim.  Political correspondent Tom McIlroy draws on all these issues to examine a compelling story. 

Join The Friends for an enjoyable morning of lively discussion around the varied opinions provided by the First Friday Book Club followers.