The light and shade behind John Olsen’s genius

Media News

The light and shade behind John Olsen’s genius

2023-04-17

by Danielle Neely

“The first time John Olsen applied for Sydney’s National Art School, he failed the entry test. That was in 1945 as a teenager. In 2021, aged 93, he told this story with great relish to the opening night audience at what was to be his last major exhibition, John Olsen: Goya’s Dog. It was in the NAS Gallery at the National Art School, where he did eventually get in to study in the early 1950s, and later taught after returning from several years in Spain in the early 1960s.”

Steven Alderton, Director and CEO of NAS, writes for the Financial Review on the passing of NAS Alumus and fellow John Olsen.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Sydney Contemporary is now open!

We’re thrilled to welcome you to Booth J12, where we are showcasing the work of nine emerging artists and alumni, including Jake Bartley @_trizm__, Christian Bonett @christian_bonett_art, Harrison Chao @w4r.h4mm3r, Lewis Doherty @lewisstepsandrew, Isabella Kennedy @isa.kennedy, Rachel Mackay @rachelmackay.art, Megan McKenzie @megan_mckenzie_, Johanna Ng @johanna__ng, and Taylor Steel @taylor__steel.

Sydney Contemporary is on until Sunday 14 September 2025 at Carriageworks — we look forward to seeing you there!

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Sep 11

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Sydney Contemporary is now open!

We’re thrilled to welcome you to Booth J12, where we are showcasing the work of nine emerging artists and alumni, including Jake Bartley @_trizm__, Christian Bonett @christian_bonett_art, Harrison Chao @w4r.h4mm3r, Lewis Doherty @lewisstepsandrew, Isabella Kennedy @isa.kennedy, Rachel Mackay @rachelmackay.art, Megan McKenzie @megan_mckenzie_, Johanna Ng @johanna__ng, and Taylor Steel @taylor__steel.

Sydney Contemporary is on until Sunday 14 September 2025 at Carriageworks — we look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Open Day last Saturday! Don’t forget: applications for the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) round close on Friday 3 October.

We have more in-person and online info sessions coming up. Sign up via link in bio to find out what makes NAS different from all other Fine Art degrees or receive one-on-one feedback on your portfolio from a member of the NAS Academic Team.

Image credit: Nicole Anderson (@nicoleandersonphotography)

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Sep 9

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The National Art School is seeking an experienced Exhibitions Officer with strong attention to detail to join the NAS Gallery Team.

As Exhibitions Officer, you’ll be a key operational support to the NAS Gallery team, helping deliver a vibrant program of exhibitions, talks, and events. You’ll coordinate volunteers, maintain gallery presentation standards, assist with production and publications, and contribute to audience engagement aligned with the School’s strategic goals.

To learn more about the position and to apply, visit nas.edu.au (link in bio).

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Sep 8

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The National Art School is seeking an experienced Exhibitions Officer with strong attention to detail to join the NAS Gallery Team.

As Exhibitions Officer, you’ll be a key operational support to the NAS Gallery team, helping deliver a vibrant program of exhibitions, talks, and events. You’ll coordinate volunteers, maintain gallery presentation standards, assist with production and publications, and contribute to audience engagement aligned with the School’s strategic goals.

To learn more about the position and to apply, visit nas.edu.au (link in bio).

Buy tickets to join us for an unforgettable evening as we support the timeless treasures of the National Art School, our artists.

National Treasures is a glittering gala where the rare brilliance of our most esteemed artists shines brighter than a diamond.

Bid in silent and live auctions featuring extraordinary works by NAS Fellows and alumni and compete for once-in-a-lifetime experiences that money (almost!) can’t buy. Then dance into the night as our iconic Cell Block Theatre is taken over with live music, DJs, artist activations, immersive projections, gourmet food, and flowing beverages.

NAS Gala | National Treasures
Art Auction and Cocktail Party
Friday 21 November, 6.00pm – 11.30pm
Cell Block Theatre, National Art School

Purchase tickets at the link in bio.

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Sep 7

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Buy tickets to join us for an unforgettable evening as we support the timeless treasures of the National Art School, our artists.

National Treasures is a glittering gala where the rare brilliance of our most esteemed artists shines brighter than a diamond.

Bid in silent and live auctions featuring extraordinary works by NAS Fellows and alumni and compete for once-in-a-lifetime experiences that money (almost!) can’t buy. Then dance into the night as our iconic Cell Block Theatre is taken over with live music, DJs, artist activations, immersive projections, gourmet food, and flowing beverages.

NAS Gala | National Treasures
Art Auction and Cocktail Party
Friday 21 November, 6.00pm – 11.30pm
Cell Block Theatre, National Art School

Purchase tickets at the link in bio.

Join us for Open Day this Saturday!

Today is your last chance to register to secure your spot (link in bio). Visit our Eventbrite page to download the Open Day program brochure and plan your day.

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Sep 4

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Join us for Open Day this Saturday!

Today is your last chance to register to secure your spot (link in bio). Visit our Eventbrite page to download the Open Day program brochure and plan your day.

The National Art School is seeking an outstanding and experienced arts educator to join us as Head of Learning and Teaching.

The successful candidate will provide academic leadership including working closely with the Heads of academic departments and programs to lead the development and implementation of learning and teaching activities of higher education programs. This includes the development and delivery of curricula, the management of departmental staff and the development of learning and teaching resources.

The Head of Learning and Teaching is expected to provide artistic and scholarly leadership through professional example and will have a track record of original and innovative contributions to the advancement of scholarship, research and teaching within their respective field.

To learn more about the position and to apply, visit nas.edu.au.

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Sep 3

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The light and shade behind John Olsen’s genius