Sidney Nolan

Sir Sidney Robert Nolan (April 22, 1917 - 28 November, 1992) was one of Australia's most well-known painters.

Related Topics:
April 22 - 1917 - 28 November - 1992 - Australia - Painter

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Nolan was born in Melbourne and attended the National Gallery Art School. He was close friend with the arts patrons John and Sunday Reed, and is regarded as one of the leading figures of the so-called "Heide Circle" that also included Albert Tucker, Joy Hester and Arthur Boyd.

Related Topics:
Melbourne - Sunday Reed - Albert Tucker - Joy Hester - Arthur Boyd

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After leaving the army during World War II, Nolan lived for some time at the Reed's home, "Heide" outside Melbourne (now the Heide Museum of Modern Art). Here he painted the first canvasses in his famous "Ned Kelly" series, reportedly with input from Sunday Reed. Nolan also conducted an open affair with Sunday Reed at this time alhtough he subsequently married John Reed's sister, Cynthia, after Sunday refused to leave her husband and marry him.

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He later studied at the Atelier 17, Paris, under the famous S. W. Hayter.

Related Topics:
Atelier 17 - S. W. Hayter

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Nolan painted a wide range of personal interpretations of historical and legendary figues, including explorers Burke and Wills, and Eliza Fraser.

Related Topics:
Burke and Wills - Eliza Fraser

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Probably his most famous work is a series of stylised depictions of the bushranger Ned Kelly in the Australian Outback.

Related Topics:
Bushranger - Ned Kelly - Australian Outback

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In 1950 Nolan moved to London, England, where he lived until his death. Nolan's treatment of his wife Cynthia led to a bitter and long-running public feud between Nolan and his former friend, writer Patrick White, that lasted until Nolan's death.

Related Topics:
London - England - Patrick White

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Nolan is less well known for his skilled theatrical set designs and book illustrations.

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