Go Back

John Olsen (Aust., b.1928).

Overhead Rail [New York]

1998. Etching with aquatint, editioned 173/175, signed and dated in pencil in lower margin, 14.4 x 22.2cm. Framed.

Image held in Cairns Art Gallery, Queensland.

This etching is from Olsen’s series of six etchings titled New York nowhere: meditations and celebrations, Neurology Ward, the New York Hospital, 1998. The series illustrates Geoffrey Dutton’s final epic prose poem, New York Nowhere, published the same year. Both men had suffered strokes (Dutton in New York), and Dutton’s experience inspired the poem, as did Olsen’s etchings. The most striking of these is Overhead Rail. The sweeping curve of the raised railway track contrasts with the vertical, upward-reaching lines of skyscrapers; horizontal lines hatched across the whole lower part of the print capture the relentless activity that is New York. At the same time, tiny figures move in quiet spaces, suggesting human isolation.” Ref: Artwrite, Issue 55, Blog, College of Fine Arts, UNSW.

.
Item #CL205-56

Price (AUD): $1,100.00  other currencies