The controversial artwork Blue poles by Jackson Pollock is coming to Perth next year.

Press PLAY to hear Tom McIlroy discuss the history of Jackson Pollock’s iconic masterpiece

Guardian Australia political editor and Blue poles author Tom McIlroy told 6PR Breakfast hosts Millsy and Karl that this was the most expensive piece the Whitlam government bought when establishing National Gallery of Australia in the 1970s.

Costing $1.3 million, the artwork is now valued at more than $500 million.

“Most people I think recognise that it was a bold and creative way to put Australia on the map culturally”, McIlroy said.

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Image: Carl Court/Getty Images