John Coburn is among Australia's most celebrated abstract artists. At first glance his work - composed of organic shapes scattered across a flat plane - is an aesthetic harmony. Upon closer inspection however, it betrays something deeper. Channeled through quasi-religious themes and iconographic stories, Coburn deftly crosses aesthetic, earthly and divine themes.

Influenced by European culture, Roman Catholicism, Aboriginal spiritualities 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 agnostic 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.”

‘Tree of Life’ is a luscious work. Backed by a golden background, Coburn presents the Jewish menorah as the Tree of Life. The effect is transcendental, brought to life by warm colours and a careful, considered composition. For collectors of abstract, spiritual and modern art, Coburn work is vital. He continues to be collected widely, beloved for his graphic impact and philosophical tenor.

John COBURN (1925 - 2006)
'Tree of life' 1998
screenprint on paper
Edition of 99
Image Size: 52 x 70 cm
Dimensions: 56 x 76 cm
Signed: signed, titled numbered and dated in margin
Comes with Letter of Provenance
REFERENCE: John Coburn: Prints 1959-2000, Australian Galleries, Sydney & Melbourne, 2000, cat.98 page 39, illustrated another impression from the edition.
Condition: Excellent
(c) John Coburn / Copyright Agency