Antarctica 1964

Sidney Nolan made this painting called Antarctica in the twentieth century with oil on board. The piece is an exploration of process through its mark making and colour palette. The texture is built up through layered strokes, creating a sense of depth and movement. Look at the way Nolan uses thick, opaque paint in the foreground to depict the turbulent sea, contrasting with the thinner washes in the sky. The brushwork is visible everywhere, with each stroke contributing to the overall energy of the piece. Notice how the white crests of the waves are rendered with quick, gestural marks. This suggests a kind of urgency or immediacy, as if Nolan were trying to capture a fleeting moment. Nolan’s approach reminds me of Joan Mitchell’s gestural abstraction. Both artists share a similar commitment to exploring the expressive potential of paint and mark making. Ultimately, this piece celebrates the power of ambiguity and openness in art.