The painting that changed Australia — the story of Blue Poles

It's been called a coming-of-age story for a nation. The Whitlam Government's purchase of Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles in 1973 helped to bring down the government. So how did this abstract expressionist masterpiece become the most famous, most controversial artwork in Australia?

Then: how does political portraiture affect how we feel about politicians — and how we vote? Jacqueline Maley looks at The Art in the Optics — and explains why political portraiture is more important than ever today.

These events were recorded at the National Library of Australia on 3 March 2025 and the National Portrait Gallery on 20 March 2025.

Speakers

Tom McIlroyAuthor, Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the painting that changed the nationPolitical correspondent, Australian Financial Review

Niki SavvaPolitical commentator and columnist, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age

Jacqueline MaleyColumnist, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age