Philippe Le Miere’s ‘Study for Alice in Kellyland’ merges two icons of Australian modernism: Charles Blackman’s Alice of Wonderland and Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly. What relation do these (anti)heroes bear? One is a blonde girl plucked from a British childrens book and the other is an infamous Australian outlaw, condemned to the gallows.

Like the Phantom of the Opera, Alice’s face is half shielded by Kelly’s iconic helmet. Both she and her bushranger can be understood as symbols for Australian modernism, painted by Blackman and Nolan as experimentations with the boundary between myth and reality. Alice symbolised Blackman’s wife, Barbara Blackman, while Nolan identified with the outcast Kelly. Where does the legend end and history begin?

Bright and bold, Philippe Le Miere’s ‘Study for Alice in Kellyland’ reinterprets Australian modernism by merging the whimsy of Blackman’s Alice and the defiance of Nolan’s Ned Kelly. In this original painting, Le Miere invites viewers to wonder at Kellyland, where the fusion of these cultural icons opens up new paths for exploration.

Philippe LE MIERE (1975 - )
'Study for Alice in Kellyland' 2024
acrylic on canvas
Image Size: 51 x 38 cm
Dimensions: 51 x 38 cm
Signed: Signed lower right Le Miere, inscribed verso Philippe Le Miere, title and date
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Excellent.

(c) The Artist or Assignee

This painting is a Study for a Major Work. As part of his creative process, Philippe Le Miere first produces a Study before a larger Major Work; both are original and unique, priced to reflect their different sizes.

This work of art comes unstretched to allow for safe and economical shipping. If you prefer, this painting can be stretched or stretched and framed. Please contact us should you wish to discuss what option suits your needs.