Kelly 1965

Sidney Nolan made this striking painting, Kelly, using bold shapes and a strong colour scheme. I can imagine Nolan in his studio, layering the paint, scraping back, and building up the image through a back-and-forth process of adding and subtracting. The red brushstrokes that make up the body are applied with speed and energy. They seem to radiate outwards, giving the figure a sense of dynamism. The square head is a more complex affair, a mix of red, purple, and white, with some curious scribbles. It’s as if Nolan is trying to get inside the mind of his subject, probing and questioning. Nolan was fascinated by the Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, and he returned to this subject again and again in his work. This painting reminds me of other artists, like Francis Bacon, who were also interested in depicting the human figure in a raw, visceral way. Ultimately, painting is about exploring the world and our place within it, through colour, form, and gesture. Each artist brings their unique perspective to this conversation, building upon what has come before and opening up new possibilities for future generations.