Nora Heysen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nora Heysen
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Photograph of Heysen by Harold Cazneaux, 1939, Sydney
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| Born | 11 January 1911 |
| Died | 30 December 2003 |
| Education | School of Fine Arts, Adelaide Julian Ashton School, Sydney |
| Known for | WWII, 1st woman Australian war artist 1st woman to win Archibald Prize |
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Notable work
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Madame Elink Schuurman 1938 |
| Spouse(s) | Dr. Robert Black |
| Awards |  Order of Australia (AM)Melrose Prize for Portraiture Archibald Prize Australia Council Award for Achievement in the Arts |
Nora Heysen AM (born January 11, 1911 – died December 30, 2003) was an amazing Australian artist. She made history twice! She was the first woman to win the famous Archibald Prize for her portraits in 1938. She was also the first Australian woman to become an official war artist.
Contents
Early Life and Art Studies
Nora Heysen was born in Hahndorf, South Australia. She was the fourth child of famous landscape painter Hans Heysen. Her mother was Selma Heysen. Nora grew up at their home called The Cedars in Hahndorf.
Nora started studying art when she was 15 years old. From 1926 to 1930, she attended the School of Fine Arts in Adelaide. Her teacher was F. Millward Grey. By 1930, her paintings were so good that the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Art Gallery of South Australia bought some of her work.
After finishing her studies, Nora continued to learn and paint. She spent two days a week at the School of Fine Arts until 1933. The rest of the time, she worked in her own art studio. In 1931, she visited Sydney with her parents. She spent two weeks learning at the Julian Ashton School.
Starting Her Art Career
Nora Heysen had her very first art show in Sydney in 1933. In 1934, she traveled to London with her family. After her family returned home, Nora stayed in Europe until 1937. She used this time to study art and paint many new pieces. When she came back to Australia, she first went to Adelaide. Soon after, she moved to Sydney to continue her art career.
Winning the Archibald Prize
In 1938, Nora Heysen entered two portraits into the important Archibald Prize competition. This prize is for the best portrait painted by an artist in Australia. Her portrait of Madame Elink Schuurman won the award. This made Nora Heysen the very first woman to ever win the Archibald Prize! Her win caused some debate, with painter Max Meldrum criticizing the decision.
Australia's First Woman War Artist
On October 12, 1943, Nora Heysen made history again. She became the first woman to be appointed as an official Australian war artist. She was given the rank of captain. Her job was to show the important work women were doing during World War II.
Nora explained her role: "I was commissioned to depict the women's war effort. There was that restriction on what I did. So I was lent around to all the services, the air force, the navy and the army, to depict the women working at everything they did during the war." During her time as a war artist, Nora created over 170 artworks. She finished her service in 1946 in New Guinea.
Later Life and Legacy
While working in New Guinea, Nora Heysen met Dr. Robert Black. They got married in 1953. After her war service, she went to London. She returned to Sydney in 1948. Nora continued to paint, show her art, and travel with her husband. Their marriage ended in 1972.
Nora Heysen's artworks are now held in many important collections. These include the National Gallery of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, the National Library of Australia, and the National Portrait Gallery. Her art is also displayed in several state art galleries.
Awards and Recognition
Nora Heysen received several awards for her amazing contributions to art:
- 1933: Melrose Prize for Portraiture
- 1938: Archibald Prize
- 1993: Australia Council Award for Achievement in the Arts
- 1998: Order of Australia (AM)
Images for kids
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Heysen's 1943 painting of Sheila McClemans
