Edge of the void / by John Olsen

PXX 76

fonds

1975

Graphic Materials, Prints

9659529

6 prints (1 portfolio) - sugar lift, aquatint, and etching - in portfolio 83 cm x 63 cm

John Olsen was born in Newcastle, NSW, in 1928, and is recognised nationally and internationally as one of Australia's most significant and accomplished artists. He trained at the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney and was awarded the Archibald Prize in 2005 and the Wynne Prize in 1969 and 1985. In 2001 Dr John Olsen was made an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO). In 1977 he was awarded the O.B.E. for services to the Arts and in 1993 he was awarded an Australian Creative Fellowship.

Edge of the void is his first published folio of etchings. The series was inspired by the artist’s visits to Lake Eyre with naturalist Vincent Serventy in 1974 to witness the largest flood in recorded history, and was exhibited at the Australian Galleries the following year.

References:
Library correspondence file
https://www.olsengallery.com/ (Accessed 11 April 2022)

From the estate of John Wilson, antique dealer at Woollahra Galleries, Sydney.

Limited edition portfolio containing six etchings, signed and dated by artist:

1. Emus by the lake
Numbered 26/50
Etching, 50.5 x 35 cm (plate), 80 × 60 cm (paper)

2. The leap
Numbered 26/50
Etching, 33 × 50 cm (plate), 80 × 60 cm (paper)

3. Frog jumping
Numbered 26/50
Etching, 50 x 33 cm (plate), 80 x 60 cm (paper)

4. The Cooper enters the void
Numbered 26/50
Sugar lift, aquatint and etching, 60. × 45 cm (plate), 80 × 60 cm (paper)

5. The Christ bird arrives
Numbered 26/50
Sugar lift, aquatint and etching, 40 x 45 cm (plate), 80 × 60 cm (paper)

6. Life drawn towards the void
Numbered 26/50
Sugar lift, aquatint and etching, 60 x 45 cm (plate), 80 x 60 cm (paper)

In copyright:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy copyright holder

Title from portfolio wrapper. Etching titles from inscriptions under each image.

Transferred from PXD 1564, 13 November 2023

Sydney : Port Jackson Press, 1975.

Portfolio wrapper signed centre in brush and ink, 'John Olsen 75'. Portfolio number in brush and black ink, lower left portfolio wrapper. Each etching signed and dated by artist.

Edition 26 of 50.