Affairs of the Art

The reputations of artist are influenced by factors beyond the quality of the work. Affairs of the Art explores the role those left behind play in burnishing an artist’s reputation after he or she dies.Through interviews with those handling the estates of artists including Fred Williams, Brett Whiteley, John Brack, Howard Arkley, Bronwyn Oliver, George Baldessin and Albert Tucker, as well as a raft of art dealers, academics, curators and auctioneers, Strickland explores where the power resides with who hold's the best stock and highlights the emotional duty of those left behind. 'This very readable book mounts an academically sound and persuasive argument that the way an artist's estate is handled affects their reputation. It should appeal to anyone interested in how things work in the often opaque Australian art world. Knowing this art world, it wouldn't surprise me if there are punters out there who will buy this book as a form guide.'  Sydney Morning Herald'Part art history, part business and part biography, Affairs of the Art is an important document of record, and a great read.'  The Weekly Review'Affairs of the Art is a lively and spirited book, accessible in its language, and generally based sound on scholarship. It is a provocative book that engages with a number of very sensitive and controversial issues and it is gratifying to remember that Strickland's first qualification was an honours degree in law.'  Canberra Times