Galeria Aniela Fine Art specializes in the work of renowned Australian artists of high-quality and impeccable provenance | Shipping Worldwide.

The Art of Giving Quality Service

Brett Whiteley AO (1939–1992) Artworks & Portfolio

Inquire About Buying or Selling Brett Whiteley Artworks

To buy or sell an original masterwork by this or any other significant Australian artist, please contact our specialist or call +61 409 980 618. We are prompt, professional, and friendly.

The "rock star" of Australian art, Brett Whiteley is one of the most famous Australian painters. His work is held in international collections including the Tate Gallery London, the Museum of Modern Art New York, the National Gallery of Australia. The absolute pinnacle of the Australian Blue-chip artist.  Henri's Armchair sold for $6.136M at Menzies in 2020, My Armchair sold for $3.9M at Menzies, The Wren sold for  $3.68M at  Deutscher and Hackett in 2024.

Brett Whiteley AO (1939-1992)
Kurrajong and Blue Wren
Cat. no. 177.81
Price: Sold

Brett Whiteley AO (1939-1992)
Unashamed Angophora
Cat. no. 69.90
Price: Sold

Brett Whiteley Market Performance & Auction Records

	Henri's Armchair 1974-75 Oil, ink and charcoal on canvas, signed, dated, 195x302cm, Menzies, Sydney, 26/11/2020, Lot No. 1 | Henri's Armchair: Sold for $6.13M
	My Armchair, 1976 Oil on canvas, signed dated lower right Brett Whiteley 1976, 206.5x283.5cm, Menzies, Important Australian and International Fine Paintings and Sculpture, Melbourne, Lot No. 42 My Armchair: Sold for $3.90M
	The Wren, 1978 Oil on canvas, signed lower right: Brett Whiteley, 168 x 153 cm, Est: $2,000,000-3,000,000, Deutscher and Hackett, Important Australian + International Fine Art, Melbourne, 24/04/2024, Lot No. 6  The Wren: Sold for $3.68M
	The Olgas for Ernest Giles (Also Known as to Ernest Giles) 1985 Oil and mixed media on board, signed with initials and dated lower right: BW/ 85, 213.5 x 244.5 cm, Deutscher~Menzies, Fine Australian & International Art, Sydney, Lot No. 35 The Olgas: Sold for $3.48M
	Yellow 1975 Oil on canvas, signed and dated 'brett whiteley / 1975' lower left, 208 x 190 cm, Est: $2,500,000-3,500,000, Smith & Singer, Masterpiece: Brett Whiteley Yellow 1975, Melbourne, 10/10/2023, Lot No. 1 Yellow Notebook: Sold for $3.19M
	Opera House Oil, cardboard, collage, shell, ink on canvas board, signed and dated 1971-82 lower left; inscribed to John Cage upper right, 203x244cm, Sotheby's Important Australian Art, Sydney, Lot No. 7  Opera House: Sold for $2.88M

 For more information please visit http://aasd.com.au/

The Life, Career, and Legacy of Brett Whiteley AO

Brett Whiteley AO (1939–1992) was one of Australia’s most celebrated and influential avant-garde painters. Highly inspired by cultural icons like Bob Dylan, Whiteley often drew creative strength from his wife and lifelong muse, Wendy Whiteley. Over his prolific career, he achieved the unique distinction of winning Australia's prestigious Archibald, Sulman, and Wynne prizes multiple times. His iconic masterpieces are held in premier international collections, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.

Educated in Bathurst and Sydney, Whiteley showed early artistic talent, winning a Travelling Art Scholarship in 1960. He moved to London in 1961, where he became the youngest artist purchased by the Tate Gallery, launching his international career. In 1962, he married Wendy Julius, and in 1964, their daughter, Arkie, was born. During his London years, he developed a distinctive style, producing works like Woman in Bath and the intense Head of Christie series.

Relocating to New York on a Harkness Fellowship in 1967, Whiteley worked on large-scale pieces, including the 22-metre installation, The American Dream, reflecting the era's anti-war sentiment. Following personal struggles and the rejection of this piece, he left for Fiji, eventually returning to Australia. In 1985, he established a studio in Surry Hills, Sydney, and in 1991, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). Whiteley passed away in 1992, and in 1999, the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship was established in his memory.

Historic Exhibition Timeline

• 1960: Awarded the Italian Travelling Art Scholarship.

• 1961: Group exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery, London. The Tate Gallery purchases his artwork, making him the youngest living artist in their collection.

• 1962: Participated in the Biennale de Paris, winning the International Painting Prize.

• 1963: Solo exhibition at Matthiesen Gallery, London.

• 1965: Major exhibition at Marlborough-Gerson Gallery, New York.

• 1967: Awarded a Harkness Fellowship to New York, basing his studio at the Hotel Chelsea.

• 1976: Won both the Archibald Prize and the Sulman Prize.

• 1977: Won the Wynne Prize for landscape painting.

• 1978: Achieved the historic "Triple Crown" by winning the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes in a single year.

• 1985: Established a permanent studio in Surry Hills, Sydney.

• 1991: Formally appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to fine art.

In 1999, his mother Beryl Whiteley founded the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship in memory of her son.

Galeria Aniela Fine Art Advisory & Procurement

An independent advisory and procurement service for significant original artworks by renowned Australian artists. Combining over 30 years of fine art expertise, we help you seamlessly navigate the art market, optimising your time and securing maximum value.

• Borderless Procurement: We transitioned to a fully integrated international digital model, catering to an international clientele of global collectors while proudly supporting Australian artists.

• Trusted Connections: By cultivating meaningful personal relationships, we build deep trust and genuine, long-term partnerships, delivering an exceptional and rewarding acquisition experience since 1994.