The Bundanon Art Museum’s latest exhibition, Man on Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar, presents almost 50 works by Australian artist Arthur Boyd, marking the first large-scale display of the series since the late 1960s. The exhibition explores the biblical narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar’s exile and descent into madness, drawing on the museum’s own collection alongside pieces from the National Gallery of Australia and private lenders.
Why Arthur Boyd Painted Nebuchadnezzar
Arthur Boyd began the Nebuchadnezzar series in London during the late 1960s. According to curator Sophie O’Brien, the works serve as a commentary on the human condition rather than a strictly religious narrative. Boyd was heavily influenced by his horror at the Vietnam War and reports of self-immolation protests occurring in London at the time, as noted by his biographer, Darleen Bungey. The artist also drew inspiration from an 18th-century depiction of the king by William Blake housed at the Tate, and a 1972 book project commissioned by medieval art scholar Tom Boase.
Arthur Boyd’s personal history informed the series; he witnessed his father, Merric, suffering from severe epileptic fits during his childhood, which added a layer of personal agony to his interpretation of the biblical king.
How Modern Artists Reinterpret the Myth
The exhibition bridges historical painting with contemporary performance through a new commission by artist Shaun Gladwell. His 67-minute video, A Nebuchadnezzar Cycle, features the artist traversing the Shoalhaven landscape in a poetic, cinematic re-imagining of the king’s exile. While Boyd used paint to capture the “frantic slashes” and “tight impasto coils” of a soul in crisis, Gladwell utilizes the physical environment of the Bundanon estate to explore the endurance of the human body.
Comparison: Boyd vs. Gladwell
| Feature | Arthur Boyd (1960s-90s) | Shaun Gladwell (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | Paintings, pastels, drawings | Video installation |
| Tone | Apocalyptic, anguished | Dreamy, poetic |
The Evolution of Masculinity in Art
O’Brien notes that the series functions as an investigation into masculine power and the psychological impact of losing control. In many of Boyd’s paintings, the figure of Nebuchadnezzar is depicted with inflamed, distorted anatomy, symbolizing a man stripped of his authority. This thematic focus aligns the series with other iconic Australian works, such as Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly suite.
When viewing the exhibition, spend time in the third room, which houses Boyd’s drawings. These sketches provide a rare glimpse into his creative process and often feature more surreal, humorous elements that contrast with the intensity of the large-scale canvases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Man on Fire exhibition located?
The exhibition is hosted at the Bundanon Art Museum in Illaroo, New South Wales, situated on Dharawal and Dhurga country.
How long does the exhibition run?
Man on Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar is open until 11 October.
What inspired Arthur Boyd to paint this series?
Boyd was motivated by a combination of biblical narrative, his horror at the Vietnam War, and personal childhood memories of his father’s health struggles.
Have you visited the Bundanon Art Museum to see the Nebuchadnezzar series? Share your thoughts on how Boyd’s work compares to contemporary interpretations of the myth in the comments below. For more updates on Australian art exhibitions, subscribe to our newsletter.
