We who love: The Nolan slates, curated by ANU School of Art Professor of Practice-led Research Dr Chris McAuliffe, opened at UQ Art Museum, Brisbane on April 20.

The exhibition showcases a series of paintings by renowned Australian painter Sidney Nolan that were painted on 24 slate tiles pilfered from the roof of a building next to his studio. Made between December 1941 and June 1942, the slate paintings reflect a pivotal moment in Nolan's life when he was experiencing emotional and artistic upheaval. 

Nolan painted 33 images on slate and 9 of the slates are double-sided. As well as the original paintings, the exhibition includes digital reproductions of the double-sided images that otherwise would not have been seen. For the first time, all of the slate paintings will be on view in chronological order and correct orientation, meaning visitors will be able to follow Nolan's experiments day-by-day.

The facsimiles were made in the ANU School of Art Digital Fabrication Lab and Inkjet Research Facility, by Sean Booth, Rowan Conroy and Jason O'Brien. The process involved using a computer-controlled laser cutter to precisely replicate the irregular contour of the slates and a flatbed inkjet printer to print a high-resolution replica of the image. To avoid any risk of confusion between real and reproduced slates, the facsimiles will be destroyed at the conclusion of the exhibition.

We who love: The Nolan slates is now showing at UQ Art Museum, Brisbane, until 24 July. 

Click here to listen to Chris McAuliffe discuss the project on ABC's Radio National.