Melbourne University Press is about to release Letters to a Critic by Rodney James
To celebrate, MUP are offering the below discounts on orders made by 12th December 2023
2+ copies: 15% off RRP
30+ copies: 25% off RRP
70+ copies: 35% off RRP
Delivery is free on orders of $50+
To pre-order, please email dominika.greinert@unimelb.edu.au
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RRP $60 hardback format
Described as ‘arguably the most influential Australian art critic of the last half of the twentieth century’, Alan McCulloch’s work-as illustrator, critic, gallery director and author-reflected on and documented much of this era of visual art in Australia.
The book takes the form of a cultural history, examining aspects of 20th century Australian and International art through reference to McCulloch and his interaction with the art world from the 1920s until his death in 1992. Unpublished primary material such as letters, fictional autobiography, essays and illustrations drawn from the McCulloch papers in the State Library of Victoria provide a strong focus for the writing.
A biography and illustrated book of letters and other writings to and from influential Australian art critic Alan McCulloch.
Documents, for the first time, the extensive and broad ranging contribution of Alan McCulloch AO to Australian art, criticism, writing, publishing, galleries and exhibitions.
A cultural history, examining aspects of 20th century Australian and International art through reference to McCulloch and his interaction with the art world from the 1920s until his death in 1992.
Takes 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 along museums of Aboriginal art in each state; lobbying for 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; criticism of major purchases for state and national collections including that of Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles for the Nation al Gallery of Australia.
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 the right scholar 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. When Susan McCulloch offered me the opportunity to work on a combined book of letters and biography based on my interest in her father (and probably a little pestering on my part) I jumped at the chance.
Being awarded the inaugural (and only) State Library of Victoria’s Dr Joseph Brown AO Fellowship in 2008 allowed me to read the 6,000+ items held at the library. The rest has been researched, written and complied over the following 15 years, mostly in my own time, including from a range of exotic locations such as Bali, Lombok, Paris and Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast – a place that McCulloch had travelled to and stayed about seven decades previously.
Rodney James, author
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