VIVID Sydney to pay tribute to late artist in touching final wish

Friends and family of a legendary and beloved artist have revealed his work will be displayed at an iconic location.

After decades of bringing his incredible imagination to life “national treasure” John Olsen AO, OBE dreamt of seeing his work on “the most famous outdoor canvas in the world”.

When his family suggested his work be part of VIVID Sydney’s opening night, he told his children he’d see his work light up on the sails of the Opera House from a harbourside hotel room before “drifting off forever”.

“I can watch my work on the Opera House sails in my own private light show in a beautiful hotel room with my family all around me before going to bed and quietly drifting off forever,” he told his children after hearing the suggestion.

“What better way to say goodbye?”

But on Tuesday, only six weeks before his iconic landscapes were set to dazzle above Sydney Harbour, the 95-year-old artist passed away peacefully in his home, with his ever-loving family by his side.

John Olsen with his signature beret (middle) surrounded by family. Picture: Supplied

Olsen was born in Newcastle, NSW in 1928 and his 60-year career has been celebrated around the world, with his distinctive use of colour in landscapes and lyrical depictions of nature touching the hearts of many.

His grieving children Tim and Louise have shared touching tributes for their father, who had been painting up until the weekend before his death.

A man known for his “rakish beret” and quick wit, painting was Olsen’s “life” with his children sharing that some of his final days were behind the canvas.

“Our father was a titan of the art world and beloved by many in Australia and overseas, but to us he was Dad, in all the wonderful humaneness, complexity and humanity that word encapsulates,” Tim and Louise said.

Tim and Louise Olsen are grieving the loss of their father John Olsen.

John Olsen in his home and studio in April, 2016. Picture: Art Gallery of New South Wales

“Painting was our father’s life; he was painting right up to the last in his studio, with friends calling in to see him, which he always loved.”

They said given his age, and his failing strength, they had feared the day they lost him was near.

“Nothing can truly prepare you for the loss of a beloved parent, and Dad was that to us and many others – beloved.”

Olsen has been described by the art community as charming, with a love for life and it’s greatest pleasures – food, wine and literature.

The 95-year-old had a myriad of creative friends, including comedian Barry Humphries.

John Olsen (left) with his children and friend Barry Humphries (right) in 2019. Picture: Supplied

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday paid tribute to the “man of talent” hailing him a “poet of the bush, a truly great explorer and interpreter of the Australian landscape”.

“We were so lucky to have him.”

One of his most famous artworks – “My Salute to Five Bells” – will light up the Sydney Opera House in May “in honour of his esteemed painting career”.

His work will light up the sails of the Sydney Opera House in May. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as VIVID Sydney to pay tribute to late artist in touching final wish