Widely regarded as Australia's greatest living artist, the exuberant 84-year-old John Olsen talks with acclaimed art commentator Betty Churcher about his life's work. Still painting with all his creative energy in his studio in the NSW Southern Highlands, Olsen speaks of the influence of poetry and Spain on his art and his restless love of Sydney Harbour and the Australian bush. Now at the height of his creative powers, Olsen has won many awards including the prestigious Archibald Prize in 2005 for his Self Portrait Janus Faced. As Churcher says, "He is an artist whose lust for life has few parallels in Australian art". John Olsen was born in Newcastle in 1928 and moved to Bondi Beach during such years of his life that he became fascinated by Sydney Harbour and these depictions became a large influence of his work. He now resides in Bowral, southern NSW and continues to create distinctive paintings.
Running Time: 30 mins
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