Blue Poles
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Blue Poles is an abstract painting from 1952 by the American artist Jackson Pollock, more properly known as Blue Poles: Number 11, 1952. It is similar to other drip paintings by Pollock, with the addition of eight large vertical blue "poles" placed over the top. It is owned by the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.
[edit] National Gallery of Australia purchase
In 1973, the work was purchased by the Australian Whitlam Government for the National Gallery of Australia for US$2 million (A$1.3 million at the time of payment). At the time, this was the highest price ever paid for a modern painting. The purchase was criticised as extravagant, especially as the National Gallery was still under construction and did not open until 1982. The purchase is seen as one of the factors which led to the dismissal of the Whitlam Government in the Australian constitutional crisis of 1975. However, the decision was later vindicated as the painting has increased in value many times over, and it is now one of the most popular exhibits in the gallery.
It is unknown what the poles represent, or what the painting means, however it is interesting to look at. Some believe it shows Pollock's angst.
[edit] External links
- Blue Poles at the National Gallery of Australia
- Blue Poles on loan at the National Gallery of Victoria
- Article from Melbourne's The Age regarding "blue poles" at the National Museum of Australia
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