Born in Australia, Sidney Nolan (1917–1992), is one of the most important artists of the twentieth century. This exhibition, part of a nationwide programme presented by the Sidney Nolan Trust to celebrate the centenary of Nolan’s birth, brings to light a selection of extraordinary spray painted portraits dating from the 1980s. It includes a series made in 1982 for an exhibition at the Nolan Gallery at Lanyon just outside Canberra, depicting individuals that had strong personal significance for Nolan, including his brother (tragically killed in the Second World War), close friend Benjamin Britten, Francis Bacon and fellow Australian artist Brett Whiteley.

The exhibition at Ikon will be accompanied by a publication with texts by Jane Clark and Ian Henderson, available from Ikon Shop for a discounted price for the duration of the exhibition.

Part of the Sidney Nolan Centenary 2017, a year-long nationwide programme of exhibitions, events and publications to celebrate the work and legacy of the artist Sir Sidney Nolan OM AC RA, and to mark the centenary of his birth. It is presented by the Sidney Nolan Trust.