Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust

Overview

One of Australia's most prolific and influential artists of the 20th Century, Sidney Nolan, is revered for his depictions of Australia's polarising history. But it's his lesser-known series confronting one of history's darkest chapters—Nazi Germany—that may be his most haunting. Now, for a limited time, it's on display in Melbourne.

Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust is a deeply emotive landmark series that captures Nolan's traumatic reckoning with the Adolf Eichmann trial in 1961, and his subsequent, indelible visit to Auschwitz a year later. Profoundly moved by the horrors of the Holocaust, Nolan confronts human suffering with unflinching honesty.

Simon Shiff

Over a mere four weeks, Nolan poured his disbelief into 220 artworks, but they remained buried for more than half a century in his private collection. Now, 50 of the most moving paintings are on display.

The special series, which was first exhibited at the Sydney Jewish Museum in 2022, has finally arrived in Melbourne — with the addition of Ravensbruck to be displayed — to coincide with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the camps. There will also be an exclusive event and programs scheduled to run alongside the exhibition.

Simon Shiff

'Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust' is showing at Melbourne Holocaust Museum from Friday, May 2 to Sunday, June 29. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.

Header image by Albert Tucker, courtesy of the State Library of Victoria

Images courtesy of Melbourne Holocaust Museum

By Elise Cullen