A Landmark Cultural Coup: Jackson Pollock’s Blue poles to be shown in Western Australia for the first time

The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) has announced an historic moment for the State: Jackson Pollock’s iconic masterpiece Blue poles will be exhibited in Western Australia for the very first time from April 2027.

This extraordinary loan from the National Gallery of Australia through the Sharing the National Collection program marks a major cultural milestone and a rare opportunity for Western Australians to encounter one of the most influential works of modern art.

Painted in 1952, Blue poles is a defining example of Pollock’s radical poured paint technique. Stretching almost five metres across, the work features eight bold blue black vertical forms that anchor a dynamic field of drips, splashes and rhythmic movement.

Created at a pivotal moment in Pollock’s career, it stands as one of his last major abstract paintings and remains a touchstone of 20th century art. When the Australian Government acquired Blue poles in 1973 for $1.3 million, then a record price for an American painting, it ignited national debate about public spending, artistic value and Australia’s cultural ambition.

Today, the painting is regarded as one of the country’s most treasured artworks, valued at more than $500 million and recognised globally as a masterpiece. It is also the most viewed artwork in the National Gallery’s history.

“Welcoming Blue poles to Western Australia is an extraordinary moment for our State. This is one of the great works of modern art and a painting that has shaped national debate, inspired generations and become a symbol of Australia’s cultural confidence,” said AGWA Director Colin Walker.

“To finally bring it to AGWA is both a privilege and a triumph. We look forward to sharing this masterpiece with the people of Western Australia and creating a major cultural event that will be remembered for years to come.”

Despite its fame, opportunities to see Blue poles (originally titled Number 11, 1952) outside Canberra have been exceedingly rare. The painting toured Australia in 1974 but never reached Western Australia. Since then, it has travelled only a handful of times, including to MoMA in New York, and the Tate and Royal Academy of Arts in London. More than fifty years after its acquisition, Blue poles has still never been shown in WA, until now.

Bringing Blue poles to AGWA represents a cultural coup for Western Australia and a moment of immense pride for the State. Its presentation will be accompanied by a dynamic program of public events, talks and community engagement activities designed to deepen understanding of Pollock’s legacy and celebrate this remarkable chapter in Australia’s cultural history.

“Only around 1.5% of West Australians visit the National Gallery each year, which means our community is often disadvantaged in accessing works of national significance. Bringing Blue poles to Perth helps change that,” said Walker.

“It’s been an ambition for the work to come to Western Australia for many years. We began initial conversations with National Gallery Director Nick Mitzevich back in 2021, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that long held vision realised,” said Walker.

“When Jackson Pollock’s Blue poles entered the national collection, it signalled ambition, confidence and belief in the importance of art to national life. More than 50 years later, sharing this extraordinary work with audiences across Australia sustains that vision,” said Dr Nick Mitzevich, National Gallery Director.

“Through the Sharing the National Collection program and with the support of the Australian Government, we are proud to bring one of the Gallery’s most significant works to Australian audiences in Western Australia – who otherwise may never have the opportunity to see it.”

Jackson Pollock’s Blue poles will be on display at The Art Gallery of Western Australia from 30 April 2027 – 5 September 2027. Free entry. For more information, visit: www.artgallery.wa.gov.au for details.