Sidney Nolan Art Prize. Mount Purgatory oil on canvas 120x100cm was selected for the Sidney Nolan Art Prize exhibition at the Rodd Presteigne. About 50 international artworks were selected for the first Sidney Nolan Open exhibition. The exhibition runs from until 11 July-4 October. I have long admired the expressive and innovative artwork of Sidney Nolan so I am pleased to be exhibiting at the Rodd where he lived and worked.
Mount Purgatory is a painting based on the journey of the soul. Dante arrives on the shore of Purgatory to ascend towards Paradise. There is an angel driving the snakes from the island in the shadow of the mountain. There are people struggling with their burdens of rocks. Some have lost their vision before they reach the gates. Beyond, the smoke fills the air and the souls travel through fire. Gluttons are eating their own tongues, and the trees have faces on them. A crack dominates the centre of the mountain which needs to be traversed. A figure dreams of Earthly Paradise. In a cloud cave he is cleansed and navigates his way to the summit through love.