Sidney Nolan Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

Sidney
Nolan

Sidney Nolan, an Australian modernist, is celebrated for his vivid depictions of the outback, Ned Kelly, and Australian folklore. If you’re looking for original Sidney Nolan prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

Biography

Born on 22 April 1917 in Carlton, Victoria, Sidney Nolan grew up in a working-class suburb of Melbourne, showing an early propensity for drawing. His formal education was brief and interrupted; he attended the esteemed National Gallery of Victoria Art School only sporadically due to the economic pressures of the Great Depression, which forced him to enter the workforce at a young age.

Despite his limited formal training, Nolan's artistic development was rich and varied. In his early career, he was influenced by the European modernist movements, and his work from this period exhibits a dynamic interplay between abstraction and figuration. Nolan's participation in the Angry Penguins—an avant-garde art and literary group—catalysed his break from traditional representation, leading to a period of intense experimentation.

Nolan's work is often segmented into thematic series, each exploring different narratives and landscapes. The most renowned of these is his Ned Kelly series where he used the Australian bushranger as a motif to explore themes of identity, conformity, and rebellion. Nolan's depiction of Kelly, a helmeted figure silhouetted against the vast Australian outback, is now deeply ingrained in the nation's cultural consciousness.

Throughout his career, Nolan's style remained fluid, with a propensity for employing unconventional materials; from house paint to enamel, he utilised whatever was at hand to convey his vision. This ingenuity extended to his process, often painting on glass to achieve unique textures and effects.

Nolan's work has been showcased in major exhibitions across the globe, affirming his international stature. He represented Australia at the Venice Biennale in 1954 and has earned accolades including knighthood in 1981, recognition of his significant contribution to the arts.

Sidney Nolan's legacy is characterised by his relentless innovation and his enduring fascination with the mythos of Australia. His works are held in high esteem, not only within the nation but internationally, as they continue to influence artists and captivate audiences with their distinctive blend of narrative depth and visual ingenuity.

At the heart of Sidney Nolan's oeuvre is the iconic Ned Kelly series, created between 1946 and 1947. These paintings are considered Nolan's masterpieces and pivot around the narrative of the notorious Australian bushranger and outlaw, Ned Kelly. Nolan's depiction of Kelly, often characterised by the simplified, black square helmet with slot-like eye openings, has become an emblem of Australian art. The series' landscapes, surreal juxtapositions, and a poignant sense of history capture the complexity of Australian identity, the vastness of its landscapes, and the colonial tensions that shaped the nation.
Nolan was renowned for his unconventional use of materials. He frequently employed Ripolin, a commercial enamel paint, to achieve the bold, flat colours that became a signature element of his work. Nolan's innovative approach extended beyond media; he often painted on unconventional surfaces such as glass, fabric, and found materials. This experimentation with materials contributed to the distinctive aesthetic of his artworks. His resourcefulness in both technique and material choice reflects a broader narrative of Australian innovation and adaptability.
Nolan explored set and costume design, particularly noted for his work with the Royal Ballet in London. Nolan also dabbled in printmaking, photography, and even poetry, which emphasises the profound breadth of his creative vision. His relentless curiosity and drive to innovate propelled him across different artistic disciplines, allowing Nolan to leave a legacy as a boundless creator, pushing the limits of expression.