Francis Bacon: five decades

Until 24 Feb – Sydney only

This is the last chance to see Francis Bacon’s work in Australia. One of the most important figurative painters of the 20th century, Bacon’s painting is gutsy, exciting and visually compelling. The exhibition includes some 50 paintings spanning the artist’s career and includes some of his best known triptychs. The works have been drawn from 37 private and public collections around the world including Tate Britain, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Art in New York. Also on show is a wealth of archival material from his chaotic studio, offering a fascinating insight into the artist and his creative process.

Barbara Dawson, director, Dublin City Gallery – home to Francis Bacon’s studio

In Sydney 5 Feb – 10 Feb

Barbara Dawson is in Sydney for the Gallery’s Francis Bacon exhibition. Barbara negotiated the transfer of Bacon’s studio from London to Dublin with John Edwards who was Bacon’s sole beneficiary. She will talk about Bacon’s studio as part of the Art After Hours program and discuss the role of food in the artist’s life and work at the Francis Bacon symposium. Over 40 cookbooks were found in Francis Bacon’s studio! A renowned gourmand, Bacon enjoyed eating and drinking and was a regular presence in London’s best restaurants as well as in the drinking dens of Soho. He lived through two world wars and witnessed severe food shortages in London during World War II.

Full symposium program

Art After Hours: Summer in Soho

Wednesdays until 9pm – free admission

Final weeks of a taste of 60s London -free talks, films and tours, and indulge in Moet & Chandon and fresh oysters at the Art Bar on the café terrace with live music. Highlights include:

• 30 Jan 6pm David Marr on the relationship between Bacon and Patrick White
• 6 Feb 6.30pm Bertie Blackman, musician, performs songs from Pope Innocent X and stories of the friendship between Bacon and her father, artist Charles Blackman.
• 13 Feb 7.30pm Barbara Dawson, director Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane on Bacon’s studio.

Full program

Film series: Hitting rock bottom in post-war England

Until 17 Feb – free admission

A series of celebrated feature films exploring the shifting social dynamics of British life.

Full program