A State Memorial service to celebrate the life of acclaimed artist Dr John Olsen AO OBE will be held at the Art Gallery of NSW on Monday 29 May.

The Australian and NSW Governments will jointly deliver the service in honour of the late legendary landscape painter who passed away on 11 April 2023, aged 95.

With a career spanning nearly seven decades, Dr Olsen had long been considered one of Australia’s most eminent and celebrated living artists.

In 1977 Dr Olsen was appointed an OBE for his services to the arts, and in 2001 was appointed an AO and awarded the Centenary Medal. He was awarded the Wynne Prize in 1969 and 1985, the Sir John Sulman Prize in 1989 and the Archibald Prize in 2005, amongst many other significant awards throughout his distinguished career.

Dr Olsen’s work is represented in all Australian state gallery collections, the National Gallery of Australia and regional galleries nationwide, as well as institutional, corporate and private collections internationally.

He has also received an honorary doctorate of letters from both the University of NSW in 2003, and the University of Newcastle in 2011.

A tribute to Dr Olsen’s extraordinary career will be beamed onto the Sydney Opera House sails during this year’s Vivid Sydney, which runs from Friday May 26 to Saturday June 17.

For the most up to date information on the State Memorial and to sign the online condolence book, visit nsw.gov.au/stateservices

The State Memorial will start at 10.30am and will be live streamed.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese:

“John Olsen had an incredible ability to interpret the beautiful, raw and vivid Australian landscape in a way few others have.

“A man of talent, charisma, generosity and humility, he was a poet of the brush, a truly great explorer and interpreter of the Australian landscape.

“The State Memorial is our chance to pay tribute to John’s unique talent, his unyielding passion for the arts, and the great legacy he leaves us.”

Quotes attributable to Premier Minns:

"John Olsen's contribution to arts and culture in New South Wales has been immeasurable.”

“The way in which he captured the beauty of our state and country on canvas brought joy to millions.”

“The Art Gallery of New South Wales is where many of John Olsen’s paintings have been showcased over the years and it serves as the perfect venue to celebrate the life and legacy of this great Australian artist.”