This book is a deeply personal look at one of the most significant modern artworks in Australia. In this new publication written by the artist himself, John Olsen reflects on his Sydney Opera House mural and Kenneth Slessor’s poem, Five Bells, which inspired it. The publication features Olsen’s illustrated journal, one of the most spectacular art manuscripts in the National Library of Australia. His richly illustrated scrapbook of thoughts, quotes, diary entries, original drawings and clippings documents Olsen’s experience. Olsen’s great intellect and creativity shine through in lists of ‘Things I like’, haikus, and playful and poetic expression; margin notes offer great insight into the artistic process of one of our living treasures. Alongside Olsen’s colourful account are full-page spreads and details of the mural, original works of art and a self-penned poem (appearing for the first time). Also included is a page from the hand-written notebook of Kenneth Slessor showing the words and imagery that so inspired Olsen.

Positioned within the field of linguistics and multisemiotic discourse analysis, the theme of this book is the multifaceted interaction between text and image in different discourse genres, and it offers critical views on how we talk and show our experience of the world around us.

LIBRARY OF DREAMS interprets and celebrates a diverse selection of treasures from the rich and varied collections of the National Library of Australia. The book examines over 50 of the most popular items, page by page, in the Library's collections, including: James Cook's Endeavour journal; William Bligh's notebook and list of mutineers; The only surviving Australian convict uniform; The original manuscript of 'Waltzing Matilda'; William John Wills' diary; Jorn Utzon's models for the design of the Sydney Opera House; The manuscripts relating to the trial of Lindy Chamberlain Beautifully illustrated throughout, this souvenir publication examines what makes a national treasure and inspires readers to take a closer look at what libraries reveal about Australia's heritage. The publication will appeal to a broad range of readers, in particular those with an interest in Australian history and anyone who loves beautiful, rare objects and appreciates Australian culture.

This book documents Hart's conversations with Olsen and has extracts from the artist's Spanish journal (1957-1959) and one of his more recent Australian diaries (1986). They have divided his drawings into 'broad thematic areas which refer to the areas where he lived'.

Celebrating one of Australias most prominent living artists, 'John Olsen: The you beaut country' will be the most comprehensive survey of his work to date, encompassing seven decades of energised creation. The exhibition traces the development of Olsens singular landscape vision from his formative years as a student of abstraction and figuration in Sydney and Europe in the 1950s, to the major works of his artistic maturity in the 1960s and 70s, and his spectacular re-imaginings of the Australian landscape in decades since. The exhibition will also highlight Olsens versatility across media, featuring, along with paintings and works on paper, commissioned ceiling paintings, tapestries and ceramics, drawn from public and private collections throughout Australia.