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Olive Cotton - 'Only to taste the warmth, the light, the wind' c1939 Olive Cotton

Organised by the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Guest Curator, Helen Ennis

 

On exhibition at the National Library of Australia

12 July – 8 October 2000

 

9am–5pm daily, free admission

Guided Tours: Please call (02) 6262 1111

Olive Cotton - Max after surfing c1939

'Phototgraphy is ... drawing with light and that is my greatest interest' –Olive Cotton, 1988

In 1996, after a lifetime of artistic achievement, Olive Cotton packed up her studio in Cowra for the last time. For more than 30 years, the studio had been the very centre of her life in photography. The move to her new home and the subsequent sorting of her belongings brought to light a substantial amount of previously unknown material, including outstanding vintage prints and biographical and contexual items.

This important retrospective exhibition showcases Olive Cotton's finest works, including the most famous images, Tea cup ballet and Glasses.

Her abiding love of nature, astute powers of observation, democratic approach to her subject matter and her enduring interest in patterning and light are evident in this exquisite exhibition of Australian photography.

 

Olive Cotton - Tea cup ballet c1935
Tea cup ballet c.1935
'Only to taste the warmth, the light, the wind' c1939
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Max after surfing c1939