Sidney Nolan's celebrated Ned Kelly series is on display as part of an exhibition of work from the artist's formative years, now showing at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. But senior curator Denise Mimmocchi guides viewers through the exhibition to spotlight a lesser-known earlier work, which Nolan created in 1943 while conscripted in the army and stationed at Victoria's Wimmera region.
The breakthrough painting Kiata
Mimmocchi explains why Kiata was a breakthrough painting for Nolan, and also a breakthrough moment for Australian modern art. The work, produced during his military service, marks a pivotal point in his development as an artist.
Exhibition context
The exhibition, featuring the Ned Kelly series alongside formative works, is currently on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The focus on Kiata offers visitors a deeper understanding of the artist's evolution before his most famous series.
