The Heide Museum of Modern Art has opened its doors to Song of the Earth 1968–2020, a sweeping survey of John Nixon’s extraordinary career.
Spanning over five decades of work, this exhibition is the first to comprehensively explore the legacy of one of Australia’s most influential abstract artists. Running until 9 March 2026, it’s a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Nixon’s bold, experimental world.
A Life in Abstraction
John Nixon (1949–2020) was no ordinary artist. For him, abstraction wasn’t just a style—it was a way of life, a philosophy, and a challenge to the conventions of art itself. His works, often constructed from repurposed materials like cardboard, wood, and hessian, are as much about process and experimentation as they are about form. Nixon’s approach was refreshingly unpretentious: “There is no waste in what I do,” he once said. “Everything becomes useful to me.”
This ethos is evident throughout the exhibition, which brings together works from Nixon’s estate alongside loans from major institutions like the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of South Australia. Curated by Nixon’s wife, Sue Cramer, and Heide Senior Curator Melissa Keys, the show captures the breadth of his practice, from his early minimal and conceptual pieces to his later, more playful assemblages.
The Avant-Garde Spirit
Nixon’s work is steeped in the avant-garde traditions of the 20th century. He drew inspiration from movements like Dada, Futurism, and Russian Constructivism, whose geometric forms and utopian ideals resonated deeply with him. Minimalism and Conceptual Art also left their mark, shaping his commitment to clarity and his willingness to question the very nature of art.
But Nixon was no mere imitator. He took these influences and made them his own, infusing his work with a sense of play and a connection to the everyday. His 1980s tableaux, for example, combine abstract paintings with unexpected objects—a grand piano, a bucket of potatoes, a bicycle—creating works that are as surprising as they are thought-provoking.
Music, Nature, and the Experimental
The exhibition’s title, Song of the Earth, hints at two of Nixon’s enduring inspirations: music and nature. These themes run through his work, adding a lyrical dimension to his otherwise formal abstractions. As curator Sue Cramer explains, “Nixon envisioned art and life as inseparable, drawing on the utopian ideals of the historical avant-garde to affirm art as an epic and far-reaching endeavour.”
This spirit of experimentation extended beyond painting. Nixon’s Experimental Painting Workshop (EPW), a conceptual framework for his practice, is explored in depth, alongside his side projects in music and theatre. From his Anti-Music collective to his Polaroid photography series and his band The Donkey’s Tail, Nixon’s creative output was as diverse as it was boundary-pushing.
A Legacy of Influence
Nixon’s impact on Australian art goes far beyond his own work. As a mentor, educator, and curator, he played a central role in Melbourne’s creative community. His Art Projects gallery (1979–1984) became a model for artist-run spaces, and his collaborative ventures inspired generations of artists.
Senior Curator Melissa Keys reflects on his legacy: “Nixon was a much-loved figure in the art world, not just for his work but for his generosity and his commitment to fostering creativity in others. This exhibition is a celebration of his life, his art, and his enduring influence.”
A Must-See Exhibition
Song of the Earth 1968–2020 is more than a retrospective—it’s an invitation to engage with the ideas, materials, and spirit of an artist who never stopped questioning, experimenting, and creating. Whether you’re a long-time admirer or new to Nixon’s work, this exhibition offers a chance to see the world through his eyes—and to be inspired by his boundless creativity.
Details:
- Exhibition: Song of the Earth 1968–2020
- Dates: Until 9 March 2026
- Location: Heide Museum of Modern Art
Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of one of Australia’s most visionary artists.