Another step towards Troy

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The Sidney Nolan Trust is delighted to present a new cycle of works by Presteigne-based contemporary painter Daniel MacCarthy, alongside works by Sir Sidney Nolan from our collection.

Since completing a year-long residency at The Rodd in 2021/22, MacCarthy has continued to explore both the subjects and materiality of Nolan’s artwork. In this latest exhibition, MacCarthy focuses on a series of sketches that Nolan made on the Greek island of Hydra between November 1955 and April 1956. During his time on the island, Nolan immersed himself in Greek mythology as he prepared to paint a planned series on the Trojan War.

By repeatedly looking at and handling these sketches, MacCarthy has established a visual jumping-off point for his own readings of the Greek myths. From Leda and the Swan to Narcissus and Paris, MacCarthy’s subjects both invoke and challenge these ancient stories and their contemporary relevance.

Image: Leda in Marble, Daniel MacCarthy, 2025