Kelly V 1965

Sidney Nolan, born in Melbourne, made this work titled Kelly V. Nolan’s Kelly series reflects a deep engagement with Australian identity and history, especially the legend of Ned Kelly. The iconic square helmet becomes a mask which conceals identity but also serves as a stark symbol of defiance against authority. Kelly, often seen as a folk hero, represents a complex intersection of class, rebellion, and survival in the face of colonial oppression. The parrot's inclusion evokes the native landscape. But this is no simple tale, Nolan’s Kelly exists as a contested figure, mirroring the ambiguities within Australian history. "Kelly is a mystery to me," Nolan once stated, "the black mask… condensing the endlessness of the bush". Ultimately, Nolan presents a potent reflection on power, identity, and the enduring legacy of resistance.