John Olsen is Australia's greatest living artist and is recognised nationally and internationally for his distinctive art.
Olsen's work has been marked by a deep engagement with the Australian landscape.
With a desire to depict the experience of the Australian 'landscape' in a new and contemplative way, his signature style of dots and irregular lines or squiggles has made him a master of his craft. He was awarded the Order of Australia in 2001 and has won a number of significant Australian Art Prizes including the Archibald in 2005 for his self portrait Janus Faced.
Plants, birds and animals began to feature in his works during the 1970s and 80s when he travelled extensively across the country, giving new insights into Australia's regional and desert landscapes though he has always sought to capture a spiritual and universal dimension to the landscape and the natural world in his work.
Olsen has won many awards including the Archibald Prize in 2004 for his self-portrait, the Wynne Prize in 1969, and an OBE in 1977. His works are represented in the National Gallery of Australia and most state and regional galleries. His works are also held in private and corporate collections both nationally and internationally.
