Brett Whiteley’s Black Totem II: A Cultural Landmark for Newcastle
If you’ve ever walked past the Newcastle Art Gallery, chances are you’ve stopped and stared at the towering presence of Brett Whiteley’s Black Totem II. At more than 11 metres tall, this striking black sculpture isn’t just hard to miss—it’s unforgettable. Created in 1993 by Whiteley’s wife, Wendy, after his passing, the work was made in memory of their daughter Arkie. That connection gives it a raw emotional power, turning the totem into a monument not only to one family’s story, but to broader themes of life, memory, and transformation.
The totem form fascinated Whiteley throughout his career. He drew inspiration from modernist art as well as the symbolic strength of ancient and Indigenous cultural objects. With its stark lines and monumental scale, Black Totem II feels both timeless and contemporary. It asks us to pause, reflect, and maybe even feel a little awe at what art can say without words.
When the sculpture arrived in Newcastle in 2013, it wasn’t without a bit of drama. While initially framed as a “gift” to the city, it later emerged that a payment had been made as part of the acquisition. That raised eyebrows, and even led to some friction within Council. But in the years since, the conversation has shifted. The focus today is firmly on what the artwork brings to Newcastle—not on the paperwork that got it here.
And what it brings is something pretty special. Few regional cities in Australia can claim a Whiteley of this scale and significance at the front door of their public gallery. It’s a world-class piece that cements Newcastle’s reputation as a serious arts destination. With the newly expanded gallery now nearing completion, Black Totem II feels even more like a symbol of the city’s cultural ambition—a marker that Newcastle is ready to step onto the national stage.
Whether you’re an art lover making a special trip, or a local passing by on the way to Darby Street, Black Totem II is a reminder of how powerful art can be. It’s bold, it’s meaningful, and it’s ours.
This Weeks Gig Guide
| Day | Region | Event | Location/Venue |
| Sat 6 Sep 2025 | Newcastle | Olive Tree Market | Civic Park Newcastle Live |
| Sat 6 Sep 2025 | Newcastle | Nesian Market | Speers Point Park Newcastle Live |
| Sat 6 Sep 2025 | Newcastle | Pours In The Port | Newcastle Yacht Club Newcastle Live |
| Sat 6 Sep 2025 | Newcastle | La Ronde at Spiegeltent | Newcastle CBD/various venues Newcastle Live |
| Sat–Sun 6–7 Sep 2025 | Newcastle | Newcastle Crystals, Creatives and Mystics Fair | Newcastle (venue unspecified) Visit NSW |
| Sat–Sun 6–7 Sep 2025 | Newcastle | Father’s Day Breakfast or Lunch Cruise | Newcastle Harbour Visit NSW |
| Sat 6 Sep 2025 | Lake Macquarie | Michèle Heibel: Conversations | MAC yapang, Booragul Lake Macquarie City Council |
| Sat 6 Sep 2025 | Lake Macquarie | Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai | MAC yapang, Booragul Lake Macquarie City Council |
| Sat 6 Sep 2025 | Lake Macquarie | Tricia Flanagan: Landrelations & Brigalow Belt | MAC yapang, Booragul Lake Macquarie City Council |
| Sat 6 Sep 2025 | Lake Macquarie | Lake Mac Urban Sketch Group | Toronto Library Lake Macquarie City Council |
| Sun 7 Sep 2025 | Lake Macquarie | Free guided tours at MAC yapang | MAC yapang, Booragul Lake Macquarie City Council |
| Sun 7 Sep 2025 | Newcastle | The 39 Steps (ongoing play) | Civic Theatre HUNTERhunter+1 |
| Sun 7 Sep 2025 | Newcastle | Nicki Parrott Trio (jazz show) | The Lock-Up, 90 Hunter St HUNTERhunter |
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