Francis Bacon: five decades

Until 24 Feb – Sydney only

This is the first exhibition of Francis Bacon’s work in Australia and covers five decades of his career. One of the most important figurative painters of the 20th century, Francis Bacon’s painting is gutsy, visceral and provocative. There are over 50 paintings (including some of his best known triptychs) in the exhibition with works 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 London studio, offering a fascinating insight into the artist and his creative process.

Tickets available online, at the Gallery or through Ticketek

Art After Hours: Summer in Soho

Wednesdays until 9pm from 9 Jan – free admission

The Gallery brings a taste of London in the 1960s to Sydney nights with artist and celebrity talks, films and tours. Indulge in Moet & Chandon and fresh oysters at the Art Bar on the café terrace with some of Sydney’s finest Jazz musicians performing live.

9 Jan Wendy Whiteley on Brett Whiteley’s friendship with Bacon
16 Jan Adrian Martin on the influence of film on Bacon
23 Jan The Hon Michael Kirby on homosexuality and law reform
30 Jan David Marr on the relationship between Bacon and Patrick White
Full program

Film series: Hitting rock bottom in post-war England

Until 17 Feb – free admission

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

Music in the void

12, 16, 20, 23 Jan – free with exhibition entry

Musicians respond to Francis Bacon. In association with Sydney Festival.
Full program

The London years 1960-67

At the Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills – re-opening 4 Jan
Fri-Sun until 12 Sept – free admission

Brett Whiteley was fascinated with Francis Bacon’s work and first met him in London in the 1960s. The exhibition includes works from Whiteley’s Bathroom, Christie and London Zoo series, and monoprints of conversations with Francis Bacon.

Talks at the Brett Whiteley Studio

Sat 12 & 19 Jan, 12 & 2pm

Learn more about Bacon’s impact on Whiteley with free talks at the Studio. There will be free shuttle bus that will loop between the Art Gallery of NSW and Studio from 11am to 4pm on these days only.

Dobell Prize for Drawing 2012

Until 10 Feb – free admission

Gareth Sansom won this year’s Dobell Prize with his suite of 20 drawings. His work is on display alongside 47 finalist works.

Gallery Kids school holiday program

An exciting range of programs for kids and adults including workshops, tours and free performances including learning a range of drawing techniques in association with the Dobell Prize.
Full program

Papunya Tula

Until 24 March – free admission

An exhibition of rare works by Papunya Tula artists from the gallery’s collection.

Cate Consandine: Cut Colony

Until 6 Jan – free admission

In these video works, two staged performances unfold in the spectacular and unforgiving landscapes of clay pans and lakes in outback NSW.

Flatlands: photography and everyday space

Until 3 Feb – free admission

Examines photography’s role in transforming the way we perceive, organise and imagine the everyday world by looking at the changing ways artists have depicted public and private environments.

Opening hours

The Art Gallery of NSW is open daily (except Christmas Day) 10am – 5pm. Wednesdays until 9pm from 9 January 2013.

Brett Whiteley Studio is open to the public Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 10am – 4pm from 4 January 2013. Open to booked education groups Wednesdays and Thursdays.