Exhibition open from 1 May – 29 June

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Sidney Nolan’s haunting depictions of the Holocaust reveal a deeply personal and largely unseen chapter of his artistic journey, one shaped by his encounter with the Adolf Eichmann trial, a visit to Auschwitz, and a profound reckoning with humanity’s darkest history. 

Witnessing the Eichmann trial in 1961 had a profound impact on Nolan, leading him to confront the horrors of the Holocaust in his art. A year later, Sidney Nolan visited Auschwitz, a journey that left an indelible mark on his artistic and personal world, sparking a haunting and deeply personal exploration of human suffering, loss, and resilience.  

Though largely private about this fixation, Nolan created a series of raw, emotive works that reflect his intense contemplation of history’s darkest chapter. Nolan’s Holocaust paintings reveal an artist grappling with memory, trauma, and the depths of the human condition. This deeply moving exhibition displays a contemplation of human suffering, memory, and resilience. 

Visitor Information 

Recommended age 15+

Allow up to 45 minutes

Visitors are advised that some of the images within the exhibition may be confronting

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Exhibition Partners

Exhibition produced by 

Research and Curation: Katharine Cousins  
Developed in collaboration with Roslyn Sugarman, Emeritus Professor Konrad Kwiet & Professor Avril Alba 
 
This exhibition was made possible with sincere appreciation to our partners:  
Education Heritage Foundation Ltd 
Richard and Jacqui Scheinberg 
 
With additional thanks to Sydney Jewish Museum donors and lenders: 
Richard and Jacqui Scheinberg 
The estate of Mary Nolan 
Neil and Kathy Miller 
Sharon Milch 
David and Jenny Goldstein 
Roland and Linda Gumbert 
 
This exhibition follows the museum’s 2022 exhibition Shaken to His Core: The Untold Story of Nolan’s Auschwitz, produced in collaboration with ‘Nolan’s Africa’ author, Andrew Turley. With the acquisition of some 65 artworks from Nolan’s Holocaust series, the Sydney Jewish Museum is proud to present this exhibition featuring new insights and research into our Sidney Nolan Holocaust collection.