Sidney Nolan - The Artist's Materials

Sidney Nolan (1917-1992) was an Australian artist known for his iconic Ned Kelly series and his views of Melbourne's St. Kilda suburb. He began his training spray painting signs on glass and later worked in factories, gaining firsthand experience with commercial synthetic paints. In 1939, he became obsessed with European abstract paintings and began to experiment with various materials, including boot polish, dyes, secondhand canvas, tissue paper, and old photographs. This study reveals his innovative use of nitrocellulose, alkyds, and other diverse materials.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 144 pages
\n Publication date: 06 December 2019
\n Publisher: Getty Trust Publications
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Sidney Nolan (1917-1992) is a renowned artist known for his diverse and captivating oeuvre. His artistic journey spans from capturing the picturesque seaside suburb of St. Kilda in Melbourne to creating an iconic series on the legendary outlaw hero Ned Kelly. Nolan's artistic journey began at a young age when he started working in factories at the age of fourteen. His early experiences included training in spray painting signs on glass, which laid the foundation for his artistic skills.

As his passion for art grew, Nolan took on various jobs, including cutting and painting displays for Fayrefield Hats. These employment opportunities provided him with firsthand exposure to commercial synthetic paints that were developed during the 1920s and 1930s. In 1939, driven by his unwavering pursuit of an artistic career, Nolan left his job at Fayrefield to dedicate himself fully to his artistic pursuits. During this period, Nolan became deeply fascinated with European abstract paintings that he encountered in books and magazines. With little concern for the longevity of his work, he embraced a bold and experimental approach, utilizing a wide range of materials. These materials included boot polish, dyes, secondhand canvas, tissue paper, and old photographs, in addition to traditional commercial and household paints.

Nolan's artistic experimentation continued to evolve as he moved to London in 1953. While he is known for using oil-based Ripolin enamel as his preferred paint, this fascinating study reveals his equally innovative use of nitrocellulose, alkyds, and other diverse materials. Nolan's artistic exploration was driven by his desire to push boundaries and challenge conventional artistic conventions. His willingness to experiment with different materials and techniques resulted in a body of work that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.

Sidney Nolan's artistic legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. His ability to capture the essence of Australian culture and his innovative approach to art-making have made him a revered figure in the art world. His work serves as a testament to the power of creativity and the limitless possibilities that exist within the realm of art.

In conclusion, Sidney Nolan's (1917-1992) artistic journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for art. From his early experiences in factories to his exploration of European abstract paintings and his innovative use of diverse materials, Nolan's oeuvre showcases his remarkable talent and creativity. His bold and experimental approach to art-making has left a lasting impact on the art world, and his legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.

\n Weight: 486g\n
Dimension: 192 x 255 x 7 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781606065945\n \n