Is this an image of the Australian sun, a splitting yoke or as the title asserts, the Spanish dish ‘Paella’? Moving between figuration and abstraction, John Olsen’s work sees all forms of life as interconnected and vital, finding life in the sky, pond and at the dinner table.

Olsen was known to lovingly cook paella, inspired by a trip he took to Spain in the late 1950s. He was struck by the country’s mediterranean lifestyle and palette, a feeling he merged with the hustle of life in inner-city Sydney. This work captures such a fusion, echoing the sun, sky and sand.

Among Australia’s most recognised and iconic artists, Olsen led a career of over 50 years and was collected by all major Australian institutions. This fine art archival print is hand-signed by the artist, a feast for collectors of Olsen, Sydney-siders and fans of a seafood paella on a Summer’s day. Eat up!

John OLSEN (1928 - 2023)
'Paella'
archival pigment print on paper
Image Size: 71 x 80 cm
Dimensions: 88 x 92 cm
Signed: Signed and editioned in margin: AP John Olsen. Embossed with authenticity seal lower right. In addition to hand-signature, this work is signed and dated in plate, lower left: John Olsen 08 - 9.
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Excellent

(c) John Olsen / Copyright Agency