In this large pastel on paper, a pair of monkeys almost tumble from the page. For John Olsen, monkeys are the circus performers of the animal kingdom – reminders that humour and delight are not confined to the human experience, but living too at these monkey’s fingertips. 

A call to care for our environment, as well as an exercise in Olsen’s vivacious linework, ‘Monkeys’ is a delightful find. It is monkey business at its finest. 

Winner of the Wynne, Sulman and Archibald Prizes, represented in all major institutions and a recipient of an Order of Australia, Olsen is an icon of Australian art. This work will charm collectors of Olsen, important Australian art and those who care about nature.
 

John OLSEN (1928 - 2023)
'Monkeys' 1982
pastel and gouache on paper
Image Size: 80 x 91 cm
Signed: signed lower right John Olsen and dated 82
Comes with Letter of Provenance
 
Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.
 
© John Olsen / Copyright Agency 2023