Massive journey of personally nocturne'd object
1938
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
73.4 × 63.6 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Mrs J. McCaughey, 1984
© Courtesy of the artist
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Biomorphic abstraction is a thread of Surrealism that echoes throughout many Australian artists’ work. This tendency drew upon imagery of the unconscious and the natural world, adopting the undulating lines of bones, weathered stones and other organic forms to create images both abstract and familiar in appearance. In this painting, James Gleeson’s rock formations resemble human forms, while the landscape they inhabit takes on the warm colour and consistency of flesh.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Chatswood, Sydney, New South Wales
Inscription
inscribed in brown paint l.r.: J Gleeson 1938
inscribed in ink on reverse: James Gleeson /
5 Anthony St. / Chatswood / Sydney "Massive Journey of Personally Nocturne'd Object" Price 25 guineas
Accession Number
A2-1984
Department
Australian Painting
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation
Subjects (general)
Abstract Art
Subjects (specific)
biomorphic abstraction landscapes (representations) psychological concepts rocks (landforms)
Movements
Surrealism