JGM Gallery (London, the UK) is thrilled to announce the upcoming exhibition Strange Heart Beating, featuring the compelling works of Sidney Nolan and Daniel MacCarthy. Running from 17 September to 24 October 2025, this exhibition promises a unique exploration of artistic expression that bridges generations and mediums. Join them for a Private View on Wednesday, 17 September, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. RSVP here.
In partnership with the Sidney Nolan Trust, this exhibition presents an exciting collection of recent paintings by Daniel MacCarthy alongside previously unseen works from the pioneering Australian Modernist, Sir Sidney Nolan (1917-1992). The exhibition symbolizes a rich dialogue between two artists separated by time yet connected through their themes and techniques.
The genesis of this exhibition traces back to 2021, when MacCarthy served as the artist in residence at The Rodd, a historic Jacobean manor in Herefordshire where Nolan spent the last decade of his life. This residence, steeped in artistic history, became a source of inspiration for MacCarthy as he delved into Nolan’s innovative approach to painting. Using untouched materials from Nolan—such as Kaolin-primed paper, canvases, and brushes—MacCarthy engaged with the same tactile qualities that characterized Nolan’s works. This endeavor not only reflects a practical choice but also signifies a profound homage to Nolan’s legacy by allowing MacCarthy to inhabit the artistic space that Nolan once filled.
The title Strange Heart Beating draws from W.B. Yeats’ sonnet, Leda and the Swan, a narrative rife with themes of violence, beauty, and rebirth. This myth, where Zeus, disguised as a swan, violates Leda, leading to monumental events in history, serves as a lens through which both artists interpret the complexities of humanity. Both Nolan’s and MacCarthy’s works engage with this fable, each offering their perspectives, yet leading the viewer to question the nature of these archetypes.
MacCarthy often reinterprets the figures from this tale, with his piece in which a heron evolves into a black swan, symbolizing a shift towards ecological awareness. This transformation echoes MacCarthy’s contemporary concerns, intertwining them with the ancient myths, creating a dialogue that resonates deeply with today’s audience.
A striking contrast emerges between Nolan’s “raw immediacy” and MacCarthy’s “sculptural, fragmented” approach. Nolan’s paintings capture a visceral dynamism, depicting Leda not as an icon, but a multi-layered character—defiant yet vulnerable. His works, infused with a sense of urgency, transport viewers into a timeless space, blending myth with raw emotion. In contrast, MacCarthy’s pieces depict a more fragmented and sculptural quality, reflecting a sense of transformation and metamorphosis. Together, their work creates a rich tapestry of myth, inviting audiences to reflect on the complexities of narrative and symbol.
This exhibition emphasizes the significant role that historic sites like The Rodd play in fostering artistic exchanges. During Nolan’s residency, the manor served as a creative hub, reminiscent of communities like Charleston in East Sussex, where artists thrived on collaboration and experimentation.
Strange Heart Beating is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of artistic lineage and the vital interplay between past and present. It cultivates a meaningful dialogue between two artists from different eras, united through their exploration of myth and consciousness.
To experience this remarkable exhibition and engage with the artistic dialogue it encapsulates, visit JGM Gallery from 17 September to 24 October 2025. For further inquiries, please contact us at info@jgmgallery.com.
Photo credits: The photograph comes from the gallery’s archive
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