Biographers in Conversation

Ashleigh Wilson's "Brett Whiteley: Art, Life and the Other Thing"

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In this episode of Biographers in Conversation, Ashleigh Wilson chats with Dr Gabriella Kelly-Davies me about his choices while crafting Brett Whiteley: Art, Life and the Other Thing, his acclaimed biography of Brett Whiteley, one of Australia’s most iconic artists.

 

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

  • The meaning of The Other Thing in the biography’s title
  • Ashleigh’s surprise discoveries and how they shaped the narrative
  • How Ashleigh verified the many colourful anecdotes about Brett Whiteley
  • How he reconciled the layers of myth surrounding Whiteley’s art and life
  • Why he structured Whiteley’s biography chronologically
  • How Whiteley’s mercurial character drove the plot
  • How Ashleigh portrayed Whiteley’s complex relationship with Australia and his desire to be recognised on the international stage
  • How Ashleigh balanced Whiteley’s public persona and human story
  • Ashleigh’s ethical decisions when revealing Whiteley’s mental health issues and addictions
  • The literary devices Ashleigh employed to balance academic rigour with crafting a captivating and propulsive narrative
  • The extent to which Ashleigh believes he got to the truth of his biographical subject.
    • ...more
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