An Unstoppable Force – Betty Churcher with John Olsen
Director: John Hughes
Year: 2008
Duration: 26 mins
Widely regarded as Australia’s greatest living artist, the exuberant 80-year-old John Olsen talks with acclaimed art commentator Betty Churcher about his life’s work. Still painting with all his creative energy in his studio in the NSW Southern Highlands, Olsen speaks of the influence of poetry and Spain on his art and his restless love of Sydney Harbour and the Australian bush.
Now at the height of his creative powers, Olsen has won many awards including the prestigious Archibald Prize in 2005 for hisSelf Portrait Janus Faced. As Churcher says, “He is an artist whose lust for life has few parallels in Australian art”.
Production Credit
Director John Hughes, Writer Betty Churcher, Producers Betty Churcher, John Hughes,
A Film Australia National Interest Program in association with Early Works. Produced in association with the ABC. With thanks to John Olsen.
Review Quotes
“..an important and timely film. Churcher revisits the highlights of Olsen’s career, adding her own insights to explore his emotional journey. But ultimately it’s Olsen’s sheer joie de vivre that impresses” Steve Meacham, Sydney Morning Herald, 11/8/2008.