KEN WHISSON: AS IF

As If, a retrospective of Ken Whisson, is a feast for the eyes and food for the spirit. The exhibition includes works from the 1940s to the present day and illustrates the preoccupations of this unique artist. Whisson deals with landscapes and portraits and produces art which challenges the perception of everyday experience.

Ordered thematically, the show includes grim paintings of the 1960s such as Sugar Workers Mess, which are followed by the fleshy tones of The Palm Wine Drinkard, and subsequently the startling images of the Flag paintings. Finally, Whisson’s more recent endeavours, titled, From the Newspapers, show how the artist can draw on modern events to create arresting and surprisingly realistic works. Throughout all, Whisson’s preoccupation with language, books and political philosophy remains constant. This is a wonderful collection which showcases the variety and intelligence of this little celebrated Australian artist. (LR)

Sep 28-Nov 25, Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks, free, 9245 2400, mca.com.au