John Olsen was an Australian artist known for his landscape paintings, prints, and tapestries.
He was born in Newcastle, New South Wales, on January 21, 1928, and is considered one of Australia’s most significant living artists.
Olsen’s art career began in the 1940s when he studied painting at the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney.
He later traveled to Europe, where he studied in Paris and London, and was influenced by the works of French Impressionists such as Cézanne and Matisse.
In the 1960s, Olsen became associated with the Sydney art movement known as the “Sydney Push,” which included other prominent Australian artists such as Brett Whiteley and Martin Sharp.
He began to develop his own unique style, characterized by vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and an emphasis on the Australian landscape and its native flora and fauna.
Olsen’s work has been exhibited in major galleries and museums throughout Australia and internationally, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Australian art.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2001 for his services to the arts.
Olsen died on 11 April 2023, at his home near Bowral, New South Wales, at the age of 95.
Tributes were given by Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese and Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Nick Mitzevich.
John Olsen Children: Meet Tim Olsen, Louise Olsen, Jane Olsen
John Olsen has five children from his two marriages. From his first marriage to Valerie Strong, he has a son named Tim and a daughter named Louise.
From his second marriage to Noela Cruickshank, he has three children – a son named Rex and two daughters named Alexandra and Fiona.
His daughter Jane Olsen (with first wife Mary Flower), died in 2009.
source:nsemwokrom.com
