Noreuil: A Story of History, Art, and Connection

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The idea for my project Noreuil began with a curiosity about the unusual name of Noreuil Park, a beloved landmark in Albury on the banks of the Murray River. As I delved deeper, I uncovered the profound history behind the park's name—a story of courage, loss, and resilience. This discovery inspired me to create a series of paintings that bring this narrative to light.

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Noreuil is a small village in northern France that was the site of intense World War I battles between Australian and German forces. Australian soldiers, despite suffering devastating losses—including 130 men in a single day—managed to secure the village in a pivotal and hard-fought victory. Upon their return to Albury, these soldiers were tasked with building a park as part of their reparation and rehabilitation. When asked what the park should be named, they chose "Noreuil" in honor of one of their most significant and courageous triumphs.

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In early 2023, I received approval to hold an exhibition at MAMA (Murray Art Museum Albury), scheduled for late 2024. My vision was to connect the two Noreuils—the park in Albury and the village in France—through my art. I began by painting the park, a landscape familiar to me as I often depict the Murray River and its surroundings. Then, I traveled to Noreuil, France, to explore its history, meet the villagers, and gather material for the next phase of the project.

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Our visit to Noreuil was transformative. We spent time with the Mayor and her deputy and met a local farmer who shared vivid insights into the battle and its enduring impact on the village. The physical remnants of war—grenades, shells, and even human remains—still emerge from the fields, serving as stark reminders of the past. The villagers' profound gratitude and understanding of these events are deeply ingrained in their collective identity.

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Back in my studio in Albury, I painted the French segment of the project. The contrasting landscapes of the two Noreuils became a central theme. The Albury park paintings are fluid and luminous, filled with light, water, and the wild forms of gum trees. In contrast, the French paintings are more formal and structured, depicting the village’s cemetery, chapel, and church—evoking a sense of reflection and honoring the soldiers who rest there. The flat terrain of Noreuil, France, is punctuated by towering trees that stand like sentinels, guarding the memory of those who fell.

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When displayed together in the gallery, the paintings created a subtle dialogue between the two places. I imagined the soldiers who built Noreuil Park in Albury experiencing this same contrast—the stark landscapes of war replaced by the tranquility of the Murray River.

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The response to my exhibition has been overwhelming. Many Albury residents were unaware of the park’s connection to this tiny French village, and they have been deeply moved and intrigued by the story. This project has been an extraordinary opportunity to honor the young men who gave their lives at Noreuil during World War I and to preserve their memory through art.

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Above all, it has allowed me to celebrate the shared history that links two places on opposite sides of the world and to remind us all of the enduring connections that shape our present and future

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