Robert Klippel (1920-2001) is one of Australia's most important contemporary sculptors, known especially for his innovative 'junk' sculpture. Klippel began making models of ships and planes agter serving in the navy and later experimented with welded metal sculpture made from discarded machine parts, which he began exhibition in Sydney in 1963. He was appointed AO in 1998.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2020
© Rosemary Madigan/Copyright Agency, 2021
Recorded 1965
Accession number: 2020.36
Currently on display: Gallery Eight (Temporary Exhibition Gallery)
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On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
Australia's major abstract painter Yvonne Audette discusses her portrait of sculptor Robert Kippel.
Explore portraiture and come face to face with Australian identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.
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