From Albury to France: MAMA exhibition helps launch local artist’s Noreuil Collection

The collection of 21 paintings, which draw a direct line between Albury’s Noreuil Park and the French village of Noreuil where Australian soldiers served during the First World War, were first shown to the public in a solo exhibition at MAMA in late 2024.

The works will now be exhibited at the John Monash Centre, located on the grounds of the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, forming part of the broader reflection on Australia’s involvement on the Western Front.

The collection will also be shown at the Embassy of Australia in Paris, extending the project’s reach through Australia’s cultural and diplomatic engagement with France.

The Noreuil Collection reflects on landscape, memory and the enduring connection between Australia and France shaped by the First World War.

“To highlight the largely unknown story of the two Noreuils feels incredibly important, both at a local level and on an international stage,” explained Albury artist Nat Ward. “Through this exhibition I have made a visual connection through painting, to keep alive the memories and history of the soldiers who fought there and the sacrifices they made for our freedom.”

What began as a local inquiry into the park’s name evolved into a broader exploration of First World War history, resilience and the rehabilitative power of the natural world.

The project was supported through its development by MAMA. CEO Blair French said the international recognition reflects the strength of work developed through regional cultural institutions.

“Local audiences were the first to experience Nat Ward’s Noreuil Collection during its exhibition at MAMA,” Dr French said. “Seeing the work now presented at significant sites in France highlights both the strength of Nat’s practice and the role institutions like MAMA play in supporting artists to develop and share ambitious projects.”

Ward said the project developed from the unexpected visual and historical connections between the two landscapes.

“I discovered there were beautiful contrasts and subtle connections - such as the coral tree in Noreuil Park, whose leaves reminded me of poppies, and whose form echoed a tree in the Noreuil cemetery,” Ward said.

“As the project developed, the ideas became clearer. I began to imagine how returned soldiers might have found calm in the river and surrounding landscape – so different from the flat battlefields – while they were creating the park. In the park paintings I have highlighted the flow of the river and the soft, fluid forms of the gum trees.”

Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the project highlights the longstanding connection between Albury and the village of Noreuil.

“Our connection with Noreuil in northern France is an important part of Albury’s history, and one that continues to be recognised and valued by our community,” Mayor Mack said.

“This project strengthens that relationship, acknowledging the shared history between our two communities and the people who have helped maintain that connection over time.”

“It’s meaningful to see this connection reflected and shared internationally, particularly in places that hold such significance to both communities.”

Before the works depart for France, MAMA will host an event which will bring together the artist and a selection of works from the collection, with AlburyCity, MAMA and RSL representatives to mark the international journey of a collection created in Albury before it captures the attention of the world.