NAS Retake: “Castaway” – David washed ashore in the antipodes

NAS Retake: “Castaway” – David washed ashore in the antipodes

For this month’s NAS Retake we look at the incredible collection of casts in the NAS Archive and Collection.
To view the remnants of the facial features of Michelangelo’s David in the NAS cast collection is somewhat like considering the curious pieces of flotsam and jetsam washed ashore after a tropical storm. They have become, in so many ways, castaways adrift on an island continent.
As for David himself – he may also have washed ashore sometime in the past but alas, we have no records of this happening. If this were the case then he has gone missing – perhaps wandered off into the bush, as did so many of our early settlers, never to be seen again. His eyes, ears, nose and lips, however, found their way to NAS.
In the late 19th century, at a time when the cultural influence of classical learning was still strong, the Department of Art at Sydney Technical College, which in time would become NAS, purchased plaster casts from the London plaster firm of D. Brucciani. The plaster casts have been there for much of its history: silent witnesses to the development of systemized art education in Sydney. From a collection that once numbered in the hundreds however, only 30 or so complete casts have survived into this century and amongst them are the separate features of David’s face.
Are you a NAS student going into 2nd and 3rd year in 2021 and keen to see more casts? Join Deborah Beck and Lorraine Kypiotis in Drawing Week 2021 for the “Castaways” Drawing workshop.

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Keep your eyes peeled on our page as we feature new works and artists straight from the NAS Archive and Collection. Follow the hashtag on Instagram to stay up-to-date with our latest posts.

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Putting together a strong portfolio is one of the most important parts of your application to the National Art School.  At the Portfolio Review, NAS lecturers will offer helpful advice to guide you through your portfolio preparation, plus provide personal feedback on your portfolio.  Monday 18 November, 11.00am - 12.30pm, Cell Block Theatre.  RSVP at the link in bio.
We’re looking for a new Digital Marketing Specialist. Application deadline Sunday 24 November. Apply now! 
The Digital Marketing Specialist plays an important role in coordinating the marketing and communication activities that drive degree recruitment, short course attendance, public program participation, exhibition promotion, brand positioning and alumni engagement. 
Visit the link in bio to learn more.
Thank you to everyone who attended The Postgrad Show Opening Night!
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The Postgrad Show is on until 17 November at NAS Galleries.
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Learn more about the artists and view available works at the link in bio.
Launching the National Art School Short Courses Program for January to June 2025.  Our 2025 program kicks off in January with Summer School Weeks One and Two, followed by Term One in February, and Term Two in April, and the Autumn and Masterclass Weekend Workshops in May and June, respectively.  Enrol in a short course to experience the National Art School’s unique studio-based learning environment and our hands-on approach to teaching.  Visit the link in bio to learn more.
The Postgrad Show is now open! 
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Celebrate the future of contemporary art, 8–17 November. 
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Learn more about the exhibition at the link in bio. 
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Thank you to current NAS BFA student @harrison_chao for the music
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