John Olsen (b.1928), Australian artist who first studied under John Passmore. His early travel and work overseas (1957-1960) resulted in his work being subject to experiences of European art and Mediterranean influences. Thematically his aim was to display Australian culture to a world which would see diversity in its changing seasons. Later extensive travels in Africa, Europe and across Australia steered him towards an environmental and ecological focus, evident in You Beaut Country (1961). He rejected the title 'abstract artist', preferring to describe his work as "an exploration of the totality of landscape". He received a commission from the Dobell Foundation in 1970 to paint the Sydney Opera House mural Salute to Five Bells. Completed in 1973, the mural was inspired by the poem 'Five Bells' by Kenneth Slessor. Olsen's works are held widely in private and public collections, and have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions both in Australia and abroad. His influence on the development of art in Australia has been enhanced by his numerous art awards, including the Archibald prize (self portrait, Janus, 2005), an O.B.E and O.A. His autobiography, Drawn from Life, was published in 1997.
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