Iconic Australian Images. Sydney Nolan and Russell Drysdale
Iconic Australian Images.
Sydney Nolan and Russell Drysdale by Julie Perri. CSU, ART215.
Australia’s national and cultural icons range from natural landmarks to man-made wonders. They are instantly recognisable, have special significance and are uniquely Australian. (1) Two Australian artist’s that created cultural iconic images through their artworks, were Sydney Nolan and Russell Drysdale. During the 1940s cultural, social changes and the Second World War influenced them to depict issues in their works. Both artists were affected by the war, had an interest in the bush, its people and the harsh drought at the time. This encouraged them to reflect on national themes which they personally could associate and identify with. Their background, heritage and personal struggles, played an important part in their choice of theme and subject matter. Nolan and Drysdale sought to portray a unique view of Australia, its history, people and landscape. Sidney Nolan best known for his iconic depictions of the outlaw Ned Kelly, become one of Australia’s most recognisable and famous artists through his development of the Kelly image. He created a symbol for Australian history, identity and character.(2) Around the same time Russell Drysdale provided a new insight, vision and portrayal of outback Australia. He depicted people struggling on the land, living through harsh conditions in the vast interior and before this time, few Australian’s had seen any pictures of the centre. (3) Together with Sidney Nolan, Drysdale transformed Australian painting, both providing a rare view of life in Australia. Their individual modern ideas and perceptions, provided national and international recognition, successfully creating iconic Australian images. (4) Nolan’s fascination with Ned Kelly was clear, he saw himself as a rebel, an outlaw and his disertion from the army reinforced this. (5) Although from childhood he had always identified closely with the Irish Australian bushranger and heard
Sydney Nolan and Russell Drysdale by Julie Perri. CSU, ART215.
Australia’s national and cultural icons range from natural landmarks to man-made wonders. They are instantly recognisable, have special significance and are uniquely Australian. (1) Two Australian artist’s that created cultural iconic images through their artworks, were Sydney Nolan and Russell Drysdale. During the 1940s cultural, social changes and the Second World War influenced them to depict issues in their works. Both artists were affected by the war, had an interest in the bush, its people and the harsh drought at the time. This encouraged them to reflect on national themes which they personally could associate and identify with. Their background, heritage and personal struggles, played an important part in their choice of theme and subject matter. Nolan and Drysdale sought to portray a unique view of Australia, its history, people and landscape. Sidney Nolan best known for his iconic depictions of the outlaw Ned Kelly, become one of Australia’s most recognisable and famous artists through his development of the Kelly image. He created a symbol for Australian history, identity and character.(2) Around the same time Russell Drysdale provided a new insight, vision and portrayal of outback Australia. He depicted people struggling on the land, living through harsh conditions in the vast interior and before this time, few Australian’s had seen any pictures of the centre. (3) Together with Sidney Nolan, Drysdale transformed Australian painting, both providing a rare view of life in Australia. Their individual modern ideas and perceptions, provided national and international recognition, successfully creating iconic Australian images. (4) Nolan’s fascination with Ned Kelly was clear, he saw himself as a rebel, an outlaw and his disertion from the army reinforced this. (5) Although from childhood he had always identified closely with the Irish Australian bushranger and heard
References: Sydney Nolan Burke and Wills Expedition, 1948 Ripolin on board 91.3 x 122.2 © The Sidney Nolan Trust The Sydney Nolan Trust, http://www.sidneynolantrust.org/gallery/burkeand-wills.php, 8/8/2012 . Image 11. ‘The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 18 Decemeber, 1944, Russell Drysdale, National Library of Australia, 8/8/2012