Skip to main content
Skip to footer Skip to Acknowledgement of Country
National Gallery of Australia
What's On Art & Artists Visit
Login
  1. Home
  2. Art & Artists
  3. James Gleeson Oral History Collection

James Gleeson Oral History Collection

Landscape photo of a largo white concrete building, late in the construction phase

Step back in time with surrealist James Gleeson to discover the stories behind significant works in the national collection.

About


The National Gallery of Australia’s expansive and diverse collection comprises tens of thousands of works of art. Behind each piece lies an artist, and their story.

In the 1970s, leading surrealist painter Dr James Gleeson AO ventured into the studios of 98 Australian artists to discuss their works that had been acquired by the Gallery. As an artist, curator and writer, Gleeson brought a deeply thoughtful and personal perspective to these conversations.

The interviews, originally recorded on audio cassette tapes, now form the basis of a unique archive, a vital historical and cultural resource for the study of contemporary Australian art. They provide first-hand insights into the genesis and creation of select works of art, mapping their enduring influence on Australian society more broadly. The interviews also provide important context around the development of the National Gallery of Australia’s significant art collection at a pivotal period in its early history.

The recordings are accompanied by interview transcripts, and some two thousand reference photographs. The interviews have also been digitised for preservation purposes, ensuring their legacy and increasing their accessibility.

The James Gleeson Oral History Collection has been inscribed into the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Register 2008 as being of significant Australian cultural heritage.


James Gleeson Artist Interviews

A black and white portrait image of a man facing straight ahead

Audio On Demand Archive

Work of art still life

Archives and Collection

Art & Artists Archives

Photograph of people sitting and standing in library space

Artist Interviews

Overview of the Gallery space with three women being interviewed.

James Gleeson works in Collection


Related


Artist Interviews /  Audio

Rudy Komon Interview
James Gleeson Oral History Collection

A black and white portrait image of a man facing straight ahead

Published 2015

39 minutes
Exhibition

Australian Surrealism:
The Agapitos Wilson collection

Past Exhibition
Abstract Painting of Roman bust with olive leaf crown in lower left corner, in centre man in suit with grid form in background

16 Feb 2008—11 May 2008

On Demand Archive

Two people sit on stools as three other people film them
Artist Interviews /  Audio

Paul Partos Interview
James Gleeson Oral History Collection

A black and white portrait image of a man facing straight ahead

Published 2015

31 minutes
Exhibition

James Gleeson
Beyond the screen of sight

Past Exhibition
Surrealist Painting of woman figure between block shapes

18 Mar 2005—13 Jun 2005

Artist Interviews /  Audio

Stanislaus Rapotec Interview
James Gleeson Oral History Collection

A black and white portrait image of a man facing straight ahead

Published 2015

77 minutes

Yuuma, Gurruburri

The National Gallery acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Kamberri/Canberra region, and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country.

  • National Gallery On Demand
  • Art & Artists
  • What's On
  • Visit
  • Membership
  • Donate
  • Jobs
  • About Us

Connect

+61 2 6240 6411
information@nga.gov.au
Get art in your inbox

Open every day

(except Christmas day)
10am – 5pm

Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600

View Street Map
View Gallery Map


Contact us

National Gallery of Australia

Follow the National gallery of Australia on:

  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Website Privacy Website Disclaimer Website Copyright
Opening Acknowledgment of Country

The National Gallery acknowledges the First Peoples of this land and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country

Learn More
Aerial view of artist Lola Greeno walking along Rocky Beach
Aerial view of artist Lola Greeno walking along Rocky Beach
    • View All
    • Today
    • Exhibitions
    • Access Programs
    • All Programs
    • On Demand
    • About the Collection
    • Sculpture Garden
    • Kenneth E. Tyler Collection
    • Provenance
    • Conservation
    • Copyright
    • Search the Collection
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Getting Here
    • Parking & Transport
    • Art Store
    • Dining
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Research Library & Archives
    • Admission tickets
    • Browse Stories
    • Browse Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Audio Tours
    • Virtual Tours
    • The Annual
    • Publications
    • Learning Programs
    • For people with access needs
    • For Teachers & Students
    • For Young People
    • For Kids & Families
    • For Adults
    • For Your Community
    • Art Cases
    • Educator Programs
    • Get Involved
    • Membership
    • Voluntary Guides
    • Partnerships
    • Support
    • Donate
  • First Nations
  • Access
  • Art Store
  • Media
  • Venue Hire
  • About Us
  • Contacts