Rosaleen Norton was a precocious young girl, revelling in thunderstorms and not scared of the dark. She was bent on becoming a visual artist, drawing and writing prolifically, as well as studying and collaborating with other artists.
She had an interest in the unconscious and understood the human psyche in the terms espoused by Carl Jung, including taking inspiration from dreams and myth, and exploring the collective and her personal shadow. The paintings and drawings are impressive and show a unique vision and talent. Full of sensuality, sexuality, almost surreal.
Upon arrival in Sydney for her first show, her work was met with police and mainstream press outrage, particularly at her depiction of nude women and mythical beings. The Catholic Church piled on too. She soon became notorious as the Witch of Kings Cross. She openly worshipped the twin deities Pan and Lilith and practiced trances and sex magic, inspired by the work of Aleister Crowley. Eventually the relentless scandals led to the downfall of her high society lover, Sir Eugene Goossens, conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. A court also even ordered the police to incinerate two of her paintings.
Her life and work are portrayed through a rich montage of elements including audacious recreations stylised drama (Rosaleen is played by actress Kate Elizabeth Laxton). The film weaves archival footage of Sydney & Melbourne in the 50s & 60s, modern dance performance and interviews with fellow travelers and art experts.
What emerges is a really great character; a fearless artist and an unapologetic liberated woman.
This is the fascinating portrait of a fearless woman outlaw butting up against conservative forces. Another brilliant and creative woman repressed in her time and her output neglected, Rosaleen Norton has been saved from obscurity by this thoroughly engaging and entertaining documentary.
