James Mollison

And, you know, Menzies even had that impact on NGA's collecting practices for a time too.

Like James Mollison has said that Menzies at one point had to approve every artwork acquired by, But I think Gleeson, you know, introduces surrealism, wants to bring modernism to Australia.

And he's also kind of quite cosmopolitan and he wants Australian modernism to be a part of what he saw as a global network but is really European.

Yes, but also part of everyday Australian life.

Gleeson was also the visiting curator of Australian art from 1975 to 1978.

I think throughout this period and, of course, his history of being a critic gave him insights into Australian art and, of course, what was in the collection.

And, you know, like you said, the gallery wasn't open until 1982, but James Mollison approached Gleeson to undertake this work.

Mm-hmm.