The Hellenic Museum is taking its mission to inspire a passion for Hellenic art, history and culture one step further this month with an exhibition celebrating a series of work by renowned Australian artist Sidney Nolan inspired by a stint on the Greek island of Hydra in the 1950s.

‘Sidney Nolan: The Greek Series’ features 61 pieces of artwork – some never before seen by the public.

To achieve their goal in time to celebrate the artist’s centenary, the museum has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds with a goal target of $15,000.

“‘Sidney Nolan: The Greek Series’ is a one-of-a-kind exhibition that captures the spirit and history of both the contemporary and mythological worlds,” the Hellenic Museum said.

“The exhibition draws parallels between the Greek siege of Troy and the Gallipoli campaign, and links the modern world to the ancient, touching on the universal stories of humanity that transcend civilisations.”

With a career spanning five decades, Nolan was a major figure in Australia’s Modernist art movement during which he explored a number of themes, including mythology.

While in Hydra he experimented with figures, landscapes, mythologies and histories which form the Greek series, and this time has proven to be one one of the most influential periods in the artist’s life.

The series that will be on show at the Hellenic Museum features everything from priests in sunglasses, goats, prickly pears and boats in the harbour, to scenes of Homeric warriors such as Theseus and the Minotaur, Icarus and ancient Greek theatre masks.

So that contributors know exactly where their donations are going, the campaign target has been broken down and includes $7,015 for framing, $2,500 lighting, $500 painting, $500 for the installation; printing $1,500, and the launch event $2,500.

Meanwhile as a thank you for supporting the Museum’s efforts, there will be a series of private tours, exhibition merchandise, and access to exclusive events on offer.

At this stage, ‘Sidney Nolan: The Greek Series’ is expected to be presented to the public from Thursday 24 August.

To help realise ‘Sidney Nolan: The Greek Series’, visit Kickstarter. Note that a portion of your contribution may be tax deductible.