Quentin Sprague in conversation: What Artists See

Quentin Sprague in conversation with acclaimed writer and historian Mark McKenna to launch What Artists See – Essays on Radio National’s Big Ideas program

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This talk was recorded at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery on 27 August 2025.

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What Artists See? Critic Quentin Sprague helps you get to the messy human heart of art

Have you ever visited an art gallery full of wonder, ready to be inspired, only to leave feeling like it was all a bit over your head?

You’re about to meet one writer whose new book of essays rejects the over-complication and gets to the messy, human heart of art.

What Artists See is a collection of essays from award-winning arts writer and critic Quentin Sprague, canvassing twelve contemporary Australian artists whose works span sculpture, painting and architecture, and the stories are just as diverse as the mediums.

Quentin Sprague: Arts writer and critic, author of What Artists See, Ken Whisson: Painting and Drawing andThe Stranger Artist: Life at the Edge of Kimberley Painting (2021 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for non-fiction)

Mark McKenna: Professor of history, University of Sydney, author, The Shortest History of Australia, Return to Uluru, From the Edge: Australia’s Lost Histories, Looking for Blackfellas’ Point and An Eye for Eternity: The Life of Manning Clark, (winner, Prime Minister’s Literary Award for non-fiction)

Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori, Kaiadilt people, c.1924–2015, Dibirdibi Country (detail) 2008, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 200 x 600 cm. Purchased 2008 with funds from Margaret Mittelheuser AM and Cathryn Mittelheuser AM through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation. Accession No: 2008.220. Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. © Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda/Copyright Agency