Rosaleen Norton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rosaleen Norton
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Rosaleen Norton, Kings Cross, Sydney, 21 June 1943, by Ivan, for PIX Magazine, State Library of New South Wales
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| Born | 2 October 1917 Dunedin, New Zealand
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| Died | 5 December 1979 (aged 62) Sydney, Australia
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Other names | Thorn, The Witch of Kings Cross |
| Occupation | Witch; Artist |
Rosaleen Miriam Norton (born October 2, 1917 – died December 5, 1979) was a unique Australian artist. She was born in New Zealand and sometimes used the name Thorn. Her artwork was very special. She often painted pictures of magical beings like ancient gods and spirits. Some people compared her art to another artist, Austin Osman Spare.
Contents
About Rosaleen Norton
Her Early Life and Art
Rosaleen Norton was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1917. Her family moved to Sydney, Australia, when she was eight years old. They lived in a nice area called Lindfield.
Even as a child, Rosaleen was not like other kids. She did not enjoy being conventional. She often disagreed with her mother and other adults. Her father was a sailor, and his job helped the family live comfortably.
Rosaleen went to a Church of England girls' school. However, she was asked to leave because she drew pictures of unusual creatures. Her teachers thought these drawings might influence other students. After that, she studied art at East Sydney Technical College. There, she learned from a sculptor named Rayner Hoff, who encouraged her artistic talent.
Starting Her Career
After college, Rosaleen wanted to be a writer. When she was 16, a newspaper called Smith's Weekly published some of her horror stories. They then hired her as a journalist and illustrator. But her drawings were seen as too different, and she lost her job.
After her mother passed away, Rosaleen moved out of her family home. She worked as an artist's model for painters like Norman Lindsay. She also had other jobs, such as a kitchen helper, a waitress, and a toy designer.
In 1935, Rosaleen met Beresford Lionel Conroy. They got married in 1940. They went on a long trip across Australia. Later, Beresford served in the Second World War. They divorced in 1951.
Art and Exhibitions
After her divorce, Rosaleen found work illustrating for a magazine called Pertinent. This magazine was edited by a poet named Leon Batt. He really liked Rosaleen's art, which was starting to show more pagan themes. Batt said she was a great artist, comparing her to famous artists from other countries. Rosaleen also wrote poetry and designed a cover for Batt's book. In 1943, she showed her art with another artist, Selina Muller, in Sydney.
At Pertinent magazine, Rosaleen met Gavin Greenlees. He was a poet who was interested in surrealism, a type of art that explores dreams and the imagination. They became good friends. In 1949, they traveled to Melbourne to find a place for Rosaleen to show her art.
She held an exhibition at the University of Melbourne. Forty-six of her paintings were shown, including Timeless Worlds and Lucifer. The exhibition faced some challenges, but Rosaleen won a court case related to it.
Life in Kings Cross
Rosaleen and Gavin returned to Sydney and lived in Kings Cross. This area was known for its artistic and bohemian community. Rosaleen became friends with many local artists, including Dulcie Deamer, who was called the "Queen of Bohemia." One of Rosaleen's pictures was even included in Dulcie's poetry book.
Some local cafes in Kings Cross displayed Rosaleen's artworks. She became a well-known person in the area.
Rosaleen Norton passed away in 1979 from colon cancer. She was 62 years old. Just before she died, she reportedly said, "I came into the world bravely; I'll go out bravely." A special plaque in her honor has been placed in Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.
Her Artistic Legacy
After Rosaleen's death, her many paintings were sold to a collector named Jack Parker. He displayed them at his hotel in Sydney.
Later, a book called The Art of Rosaleen Norton was republished in 1982. It included new information and color pictures. In 1984, another book was released with more of her artworks.
In 2000, an exhibition of Rosaleen's paintings was held in Kings Cross, Sydney. Many people who admired her work helped organize it.
Her art was also part of a big exhibition called "Windows to the Sacred" from 2012 to 2016. This exhibition showed her drawings and paintings alongside works by other famous artists like Aleister Crowley and James Gleeson.
In 2013, the first US edition of The Art of Rosaleen Norton was published. It included a long introduction by a scholar named Keith Richmond, who is also writing a full book about Rosaleen.
In 2017, an exhibition of Rosaleen's art was held in Wellington, New Zealand. This was the first time her work was widely shown in her home country.
Images for kids
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Rosaleen Norton in 1943
See also
In Spanish: Rosaleen Norton para niños
