John Olsen funeral: Who’s who gather to say goodbye to Australian artist
A Who’s Who of Australian public life – from the Prime Minister to business leaders and the painters – gathers to bid farewell to one of the country’s most respected artists
- Mourners pay tribute to artist John Olsen
- Artists and politicians were at the state monument
- Painter died in April at the age of 95
Artist John Olsen is remembered as a man of talent and charisma who brought untold joy to many people.
A Who’s Who of the art world gathered on Monday to pay tribute to the painter who revolutionized Australians who saw their landscape at a moving state memorial service in Sydney.
Wendy Whiteley, Ken Done and Ben Quilty were among the crowd at the Art Gallery of NSW, along with the gallery’s director Dr Michael Brand.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Federal Minister of the Arts Tony Burke and NSW Premier Chis Minns were also on hand to pay their respects.
Wendy Whiteley, the ex-wife of the late artist Brett Whiteley was among the mourners at the state memorial to the late artist Dr. John Olsen
The state memorial was attended by many high-profile mourners, including NSW Prime Minister Chris Minns (pictured with wife Anna)
Louise Olsen paid an emotional tribute to her late father at his state memorial on Monday
Other guests included NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and actress Susie Porter.
Master of ceremonies Michael Yabsley told mourners that Olsen had charisma through the truckload, even in his later years.
“When it came to lighting a room he was in a league of his own – remarkably, at the twilight of his life, John was still in the prime of his life,” he told mourners.
He remembered the artist as a bon vivant, cook, philanthropist, teacher, mentor, lover of literature and also a businessman.
“The great man would say that the only embellishment on an excellent work of art should be a red dot.”
Olsen’s daughter Louise delivered a moving eulogy as several of his beloved grandchildren performed readings.
The Sydney Art Quartet played some of Olsen’s favorite pieces of music before musician William Barton performed his piece Spirit of the Landscape for voice and didgeridoo.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) talks to Gallery of NSW Director Dr Michael Brand (right) as he arrives in front of the John Olsen State Memorial
Georgia Blake gave a talk at the state memorial for her late grandfather John Olsen
Who’s who of the Australian art world attended John Olsen’s state memorial, including artist Ben Quilty (left)
The memorial featured a number of performers, including musician William Barton
Wendy Whiteley (left) wore dark sunglasses when she arrived at the Art Gallery of NSW
“Now Uncle John is up there painting those great dream stories with those elders of our country and our motherland … his brush was his message,” said Barton.
Opera singer Aimee Skinner also performed.
Olsen’s career spanned nearly seven decades and he died on April 11, aged 95.
He won the Wynne, Sulman and Archibald Awards and was awarded the Order of Australia and an OBE.
Australian artist Ken Done (right) attended John Olsen’s state memorial with wife Judith
Australian actress Susie Porter (pictured) was also among the mourners at Art Gallery Of NSW