10. The Defence of Aaron Sherritt 1970 - 1971

Editor: This is Sir Sidney Nolan’s "The Defence of Aaron Sherritt," from an unknown date, held at the Tate. It strikes me as strangely claustrophobic, with those figures almost pressed into the frame. What's your reading of it? Curator: Nolan often explored Australian identity through the lens of its infamous figures. How does this work engage with themes of betrayal, protection, and the complexities of law and order within a colonial context? Consider the social dynamics at play. Editor: It feels like a stage set, with everyone playing a role, but trapped. Curator: Exactly. And how does that contribute to a broader understanding of power structures and individual agency within these historical narratives? Let's think about who is really being defended here. Editor: This makes me reconsider the gaze in the painting. Thanks for your insights. Curator: And thank you for prompting a fresh look at Nolan's exploration of Australian narratives.