Cross 1966 - 1967

Curator: This is "Cross" by Sir Sidney Nolan, held in the Tate Collections. Editor: It feels like a faded memory, almost ghostly. The colors are muted, the form barely there. Curator: Indeed, Nolan seems to explore the cross not just as a religious symbol, but as a haunting presence in the landscape. Notice how the figure at the base is integrated into the ground and the environment. Editor: Yes, the figure is very reminiscent of his iconic Ned Kelly series. It's like the landscape and the figure, and the cross, are all part of the same story, etched into a shared memory. Curator: Precisely. The cross transcends its religious meaning here. Editor: It’s almost a landscape of loss and resilience, if that makes sense. Curator: Absolutely. It’s Nolan's way of imbuing the Australian outback with both personal and cultural significance. Editor: Well, it certainly makes you contemplate what symbols we choose to carry with us, and how they shape us. Curator: Yes, it's more than just an image, it’s a visual testament to enduring symbols.