Sidney Nolan Exhibition.

Sidney Nolan Exhibition. 

This was the perfect opportunity to meet with the curator and director of the Sidney Nolan Trust. But more than that, it marked the beginning of what I hope will be research into Nolan and his work.

I did some research on his work and that of Daniel Macarthy, a previous residency winner from the Rodd.

The work was a surprise and a delight. Using myths and legends, Nolan swiftly captured Leda and the Swan in a series of dyed kaolin primed panels. The watery translucence and painterly style aligned well with my practice. I took to his work immediately.

Nolan’s famous series, often associated with reorganization, that inspired this artist was the Ned Kelly series. Based on the Australian outlaw (I thought Ned Kelly was American!), I totally resonated with his blocky character. Here was humour, narrative, and historical commentary. It also reminded me of my Haunting monoprints. Interesting!

There are many parallels between myself and Nolan, not least that he was exploring the Quantel Paintbox at the same time I was working in Soho at the dawn of computer animation.

Somehow, I am now feeling comfortable with the idea of this residency. Almost excited… very excited.