The Melbourne Holocaust Museum has unveiled a powerful new exhibition, Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust, running from 1 May to 29 June 2025. This exhibition delves into a lesser-known facet of Sir Sidney Nolan’s artistic journey, showcasing 56 of his works that confront the horrors of the Holocaust.
Nolan’s engagement with the Holocaust began in 1961 when he attended the trial of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann.Deeply affected by the proceedings, he subsequently visited Auschwitz, an experience that profoundly influenced his art. Initially commissioned by The Observer to illustrate an article about the camp, Nolan found himself unable to complete the assignment due to the emotional toll. Instead, he channeled his response into a series of raw and emotive artworks.
The exhibition features 45 pieces depicting the atrocities of Auschwitz, four focusing on the Ravensbrück women’s concentration camp, and seven abstract works centered on Eichmann—the only identifiable figure in the collection. These works, many of which are being publicly displayed for the first time, offer a haunting exploration of human suffering, memory, and resilience.
Curated by Katharine Cousins in collaboration with experts from the Sydney Jewish Museum, the exhibition builds upon the museum’s 2022 showcase, Shaken to His Core: The Untold Story of Nolan’s Auschwitz. Visitors should note that some images may be confronting; the exhibition is recommended for those aged 15 and above, with an estimated viewing time of 45 minutes.
Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust offers a rare glimpse into Nolan’s personal reckoning with one of history’s darkest chapters, highlighting his commitment to bearing witness through art.
The exhibition is located at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, 13 Selwyn Street, Elsternwick. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $12 for concessions
