John Coburn is among Australia's most celebrated abstract artists. At first glance his work, composed of organic shapes over a flat plane, is pure aesthetic harmony. Upon closer inspection however, it betrays something deeper. Channeled through Aboriginal themes and spiritualities, Coburn deftly crosses aesthetic, earthly and divine themes.

Influenced by European culture, Roman Catholicism, Aboriginal Dreamtime and nature, Coburn continues - and evolves - elements of Matisse, Miro, Mondrian and Picasso and Rothko. His unique blend of abstraction and spirituality fascinated Coburn’s contemporaries with fellow artist Charles Blackman once reflecting: “John Coburn… strives for the ideal. His commitment to the organic shape of his religious feeling has been unfailing”.

‘Dreaming Land’ is an expansive work. Suggestive of the Australian landscape, it pitches light against dark; abstraction against spirituality. One is reminded of the Dreamtime, as well as life that springs from ashes. The effect is transcendental, brought to life by rich pigments and a careful, considered composition.

An edition of ‘Dreaming Land’ is represented at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Backed by a strong secondary market, for collectors of abstract, spiritual and modern art, Coburn is vital. He continues to be collected widely, beloved for his graphic impact and philosophical tenor.

John COBURN (1925 - 2006)
'Dreaming Land' 1982
screenprint on paper
Edition of 40
Image Size: 58 x 94 cm
Dimensions: 66 x 102 cm
Signed: signed, titled numbered and dated in margin
Comes with Letter of Provenance

An impression of this edition is represented at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Accession no.: NGA 2000.467

REFERENCE: John Coburn: Prints 1959-2000, Australian Galleries, Sydney & Melbourne, 2000, cat.54 page 34, illustrated another impression from the edition

Condition: Excellent

(c) John Coburn / Copyright Agency