Olsen, John (1928-2023), one of Australia’s leading painters, became known for one of his Australian landscapes. Perhaps his best-known work is a maplike painting of the coastal environs of Sydney, entitled “Journey into You Beaut Country” (1961). Its informal title, coupled with the flowing structure and sensuous colors of the painting, gained it immediate popularity as a national image. “Journey into You Beaut Country” appeared and reappeared, with many changes, in several of Olsen’s later paintings.
Olsen was born on Jan. 21, 1928, in Newcastle, New South Wales. He served as official artist on scientific expeditions to the Northern Territory and the Lake Eyre district from 1974 to 1976, an experience that influenced some of his later work. Olsen also painted “Salute to ‘Five Bells'” (1970-1973), a large mural for the Sydney Opera House. In addition to his paintings, Olsen produced drawings, prints, pottery, and tapestry designs. He died on April 11, 2023.
