Free for educational use
John Olsen’s Opera House Mural
Year of production - 2008
Duration - 5min 30sec
Tags - art, artists, see all tags
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From the series Hidden Treasures – Inside the National Library of Australia
The National Library of Australia is the country’s largest reference library with over nine million items in its collection, including a surprising number of art works. In a new series of Hidden Treasures, Betty Churcher presents an insider’s guide to some of the little known and rarely displayed art treasures held by the National Library. From her unique vantage point, Churcher makes intriguing historical connections between paintings and engravings, photography, manuscripts and artefacts, illustrated journals and diaries. These are fascinating tales about the creative process and the works themselves that offer a tantalising insight into Australia’s culture and heritage.
A Film Australia National Interest Program in association with Early Works. Produced in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. With special thanks to the National Library of Australia.
Students are required to reflect critically on meanings and values associated with particular visual artworks. They use the language and terminology to analyse the style, technique, subject matter and design of artworks.
This is a guide only. Teachers and students should consult their state’s curriculum and learning programs.
John Olsen’s visual diary documents his progress on the biggest commission of his career, the Sydney Opera House mural. Spanning 10 years from 1972, Olsen’s diary follows the evolution of his famous mural, which was inspired by Kenneth Slessor’s epic poem Five Bells, a tribute to a friend who drowned in Sydney Harbour. Slessor’s own 1937 notebook sits alongside Olsen’s diary, detailing the gradual process of constructing an epic poem. Olsen guides Churcher through the creation of his mural, and the marine world of Sydney Harbour, to reveal another treasure—a hidden corner of the painting rarely seen by the public.
- Make a list of descriptive words that reflect how you as a class respond to the Olsen mural.
- Would you say that the mural tells a story, or is its nature more of an emotional description?
- Do you think that understanding the context of the mural is essential to understanding its meaning? Explain your views.
- Read Five Bells. You can find a copy of it here. You can read a discussion about the meaning and style of the poem here.
Identify any particular phrases or lines that you can see reflected in the painting. - Imagine that you have been asked to interpret a favourite book, poem or song into a painting. Outline or describe what you might include in your painting.
- Summarise in just one or two sentences why the manuscript and visual diary are ‘treasures’ in our knowledge and understanding of aspects of Australian history.
Go to Screen Australia Digital Learning’s Arts Portal
For more on John Olsen and Five Bells and Salute to Five Bells go to John Olsen: A Wandering Minstrel or The Art Gallery of NSW
Go to the National Library National Treasures website: