Inside John Olsen's world, one of Australia’s most renowned art dynasties | Australian Story

On Easter Saturday, 95-year-old artist John Olsen made the final touches to four paintings and feeling unwell, laid down his paintbrush for the last time. A stroke had finally felled the old master.

On the day of his state funeral, Australian Story revisits the Olsens, a family forged by their father's passion and drive for painting. As John became a darling of the art world in the 60s and 70s, his obsessive focus on dedication to his work often cast a long shadow on those around him.

Months after his death, the Vivid festival of light will pay tribute to John Olsen, projecting his art onto the "greatest blank canvas on earth" — the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

His children, Tim and Louise Olsen, will be there to marvel at his achievements and celebrate the life that has shaped them.

#AustralianStory #JohnOlsen #VividSydney
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[charlene]

Wow! I so enjoy these older clips. It's sad that Olsen left his wife and children for the sake of art. But so happy the children and he got to spend John's last 7 years together...the way it should be. Please share more of history's greats!

[pastame]

What a lovely memorial documentary gifted to us through two lovely and loving adult children. Thank you so much!

[Splinter]

What a mixed palette great episode; love the life & art story
Thanks

[bonezstayley]

So awesome and thank you what a real Joy

[bonezstayley]

And you also tell casey or Zora 19 I totally don't forget her I love her and you are not forgetting my dear Zora 19

[bonezstayley]

That's how Brian is the other part but that's cool I just need to go on my way I really see things now on the whole big picture and it's really okay with me I need to go be with My Little Rock and roll self😅

[bonezstayley]

Hey tell cheri bomb 8888 I will never forget her

[chancerobinson]

Why did the Americans, Australians, and Canadians do what they did to the indigenous people?

[bonezstayley]

Yeah I think I am parked a burgeoning an aborigine I could see that at me I could see my starseed way the hell back and it's really cool to recognize everyone else is really cool with me that is why I thank you for making her for me because I am really understand trust me I really understand

[brucenenke-vknk]

He was an Artist who only ever got better like Adam Cullen he's best painting was his last.