The Araluen Arts Centre has acquired an iconic Central Australian landscape artwork by Sir Sidney Nolan from the international auction house Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers as part of one of the most significant auctions of Sidney Nolan’s works to go under the hammer.

Entitled Central Australia No.2, the artwork remained in the personal collection of renowned Australian artist Sir Sidney Nolan and then in Lady Nolan’s private collection until her recent passing.

Araluen Cultural Precinct Director Dr Mark Crees said “this is an incredibly exciting acquisition for Araluen, bringing to Alice Springs such an iconic Central Australian landscape artwork from such a significant Australian artist.

“Sir Sidney Nolan visited Central Australia during his extensive journeys throughout Australia and while the exact site that inspired the artwork is unknown, its layered composition clearly evokes the majesty of the MacDonnell Ranges in a wonderfully distinctive Nolan-style.

“The artwork is in perfect condition and the colour and detail reflect Sidney Nolan’s rich pallet and striking technique; as well as the Central Australian natural environment we know so well here in Alice Springs.”

One of over 100 Sidney Nolan artworks auctioned last Sunday in Sydney, Central Australia No. 2 was among the artist’s personally prized works which included the exquisite Gazelle (1963) and many iconic Australian artworks such as Swagman (1978), Gallipoli Soldier (1964), Explorer (1964), and several works from his famous Ned Kelly series.

Dr Crees was present at the auction and participated in the bidding to ensure that the work was acquired after having received confirmation from a donor to acquire the work for Araluen.

“Araluen is grateful to the extremely generous donor who has ensured that the Araluen Collection continues to represent our region and to include artworks of great significance.  This will without a doubt be a much-loved highlight of the collection and we thank our donor for the act of generosity that has enabled it,” Dr Crees said.

“The Araluen Art Collection has grown significantly in the past two years, with over a dozen significant acquisitions that reflect and represent the unique context of Araluen as a major regional museum of art in the very heart of the nation.”

Recent acquisitions include two early Papunya boards by Charlie Tararu Tjungurrayi, Albert Namatjira watercolours, Vincent Namatjira’s iconic portrait of his great-grandfather Albert Namatjira in his car, Kristian Laemmle-Ruff’s photographic work of Pine Gap and ten contemporary Aboriginal Central Australian artworks acquired from Araluen’s signature event Desert Mob.

Desert Mob acquisitions included works by Wawiriya Burton, Tiger Yaltangki, Taylor Cooper, Mumu Mike Williams, Witjiti George, Robert Fielding, and the Tjanpi Desert Weavers.

Dr Crees said that Sidney Nolan’s artwork and these other recent acquisitions help to situate both the Araluen Arts Centre and Araluen Art Collection within a national and international context as a significant museum of Art that speaks to the unique Central Australian sense of place.

“It’s a collection that Central Australians can be immensely proud of and that visitors from around the world will delight in experiencing right here in the very place to which the works respond,” Dr Crees said.

“Sidney Nolan’s Central Australia No. 2 is an exquisite example of the artists’ genius in portraying landscape and will be displayed in our galleries as part of the 2018 Araluen Arts Centre exhibition program.”

Araluen Arts Centre is part of the Araluen Cultural Precinct in Alice Springs, which comprises the Territory’s key cultural assets and collections in Central Australia and is open daily from 10am – 4pm.  Visit www.araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

Media interviews – Dr Mark Crees, Director, Araluen Cultural Precinct – 08 8951 1126
Media contact – Department of Tourism and Culture – 0428 052 647