In Letters to a Critic, curator and author Rodney James (OW1979) has mined the rich archival treasure of the McCulloch Papers to create a lively combination of biography and illustrated book of letters.
Witty, irreverent, profound and heartfelt, these previously unpublished letters, critical essays, illustrations and works of art provide a unique insight into the art and lives of Australia's most famed art personalities as they simultaneously reveal McCulloch's role as critic, gallery director and mentor.
As critic for the Melbourne Herald from 1951 to 1982, McCulloch was fundamental in the nascent careers of those who were to become some of Australia's most famous artists. His monumental Encyclopedia of Australian Art, first published in 1968 and still in print today, has been acknowledged as the 'single most important reference work on Australian art ever published'.
Rodney James is an Australian curator and writer specialising in nineteenth and twentieth century art writing and research, valuations, collection management, exhibitions, visual art projects and museum policy and strategy. His most recent publications include ‘Blood Red: Ivan Durrant’s social conscience’ in Ivan Durrant, Barrier Draw (2020) and Una Deerbon: Australian Potter 1882–1972 (2019), the first monograph on the art and life of this pioneering mid-century artist.
Rodney said, ‘Letters to a Critic aims to document, for the first time, the extensive and broad ranging contribution of Alan McCulloch AO to Australian art, criticism, writing, publishing, galleries and exhibitions. McCulloch’s legacy offered a chance to rethink and redirect Australian art history in new directions and offer new interpretations and information about many of our best-known artists.
Letters to a Critic aims to take the reader on a rich cultural journey though Melbourne and Australia’s visual art development. Controversies and engagements include: being sacked as art critic for the Argus in 1946 for being considered 'too left wing' in his sympathies for leading artists such as Noel Counihan and Albert Tucker; support for emerging modern and emigree artists, including early support for neglected female artists such as Joy Hester; early championing of Australian Indigenous art through writing, exhibitions and lobbying for stand-alone museums of Aboriginal art in each state; lobbying for the Melbourne City Square and relocation of sculptures to more prominent locations; support for Jorn Utzon’s original design for the Sydney Opera House against attempts to reduce it in scope and size; and criticism of major purchases for state and national collections, including that of Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles for the National Gallery of Australia.
Letters to a Critic is available from Miegunyah Press, good book shops or directly through the author at www.rodneyjamesart.com.au/book-store
Music Matinee Fundraising Concert
Sunday 18 August 2024
Cato Room, St Kilda Road Campus
Join us for a Sunday afternoon of fine chamber music.
Book online here.
