Aftershocks—Nolan and the Holocaust

Sidney Nolan's Artistic Response at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum

The Melbourne Holocaust Museum presents a profound exploration of Sidney Nolan’s artistic response to the Holocaust through the temporary exhibition, Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust. Running until 29 June 2025, the exhibition features over 50 original works on paper by one of Australia’s most celebrated artists. The exhibition design provided by Space Arrangers helps to make an experience that is both poignant and memorable.

Exhibition Design

Exhibition design is key to how visitors interact with and understand artworks. For Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust, Space Arrangers tackled the challenge of displaying Nolan’s extensive works in limited space while maintaining the curatorial narrative. The exhibition was organized into thematic groups reflecting Nolan's responses. The large number of works led to close clustering, helping to convey the urgency and prolific nature of his efforts to express the tragedy of the holocaust.  

Upon entering, visitors encounter the title display that not only introduces the exhibition but also serves as a directional guide, encouraging a clockwise journey through the thematic zones. This intuitive flow helps anchor visitors within the narrative structure, allowing them to engage with the themes.

Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust is more than an art exhibition—it is an exploration of history, reflection, and artistic expression. Nolan’s works are a deeply personal and moving response to the atrocities of the Holocaust, making this exhibition both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The Melbourne Holocaust Museum invites visitors to witness these powerful works and to reflect on the broader significance of art as a medium for processing and responding to human tragedy.

Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust, Melbourne Holocaust Museum (Image Simon Shiff)