Big Ideas The painting that changed Australia — the story of Blue Poles
Apr 29, 2025
Tom McIlroy, author and political correspondent, teams up with Niki Savva, a political commentator, to dive into the touchstone that is Jackson Pollock's 'Blue Poles'. They discuss how the controversial painting's purchase by the Whitlam Government in 1973 reverberated through Australian politics, affecting public perception and national identity. The conversation also explores the emotional legacy of the artwork and the complexities of political portraiture, particularly in how art shapes our views of politicians today.
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Heller's Enduring Pollock Friendship
- Collector Ben Heller formed a close friendship with Jackson Pollock in the artist's final years.
- Heller was a significant supporter during Pollock's struggles, deeply valuing Blue Poles as a centerpiece of his collection.
Blue Poles' Rocky Debut
- Blue Poles was initially a commercial failure and was even neglected after its first exhibition.
- Lee Krasner's efforts rescued it from obscurity, preserving a painting now iconic in art history.
Mollison's Bold Acquisition Move
- James Mollison was hired by the McMahon government to build a national art collection and pursued acquiring Blue Poles.
- The purchase was fraught with price challenges and nearly failed before final agreement with Ben Heller.