Tropical Rainshower 1978

John Olsen 

John Olsen was a national treasure with a career that spanned over seven decades with his work being highly sought after. He won numerous awards in his lifetime including the prestigious Wynne, Sulman and Archibald Prizes. Olsen is best known for his observation of nature and is particularly known for his dynamic depictions of the Australian Landscape from Sydney Harbour to Lake Eyre. His distinctive style of artmaking often includes an aerial perspective which is energetic and lively. Olsen’s artworks often include several events and viewpoints within the artwork as though he has recorded a time lapse of movements over a period of time. His mark making style is distinctively loose and expressive making his work instantly recognisable.

Medium: lithograph, ed. 70/300, signed and dated lower right: John Olsen/ 78, titled lower centre, editioned lower left.

Size: 55 x 74.5cm (sheet, reveal); 81 x 99cm (frame).

Condition: good and recently reframed with an oak frame.

PROVENANCE:
Private collection, Melbourne.

LITERATURE:
McGregor. K., John Olsen Teeming with Life: His Complete Graphics 1957-2005, Macmillan Art Publishing, Melbourne, 2005, p. 62, cat. no. 53 (illus., another example).

OTHER NOTES:
Other examples of this print are held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra; and Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane.