John Coburn is one of the fathers of abstract painting in Australia. He started painting in Queensland during the mid-1950s, developing a unique ability to transform the Australian landscape into a language of glowing, flat-color shapes. His work represents a masterful synthesis of geometric abstraction and organic form, creating symbols that speak to both the physical and spiritual dimensions of the land.
"I am not painting the landscape; I am painting the feeling of the earth and the light that lives within it."
Throughout his life, Coburn floated his bold colourful shapes on canvas and tapestry, creating works that bridge the gap between abstraction and representation. His influence on Australian modernism is profound, particularly through his public commissions including the iconic "Curtain of the Sun" and "Curtain of the Moon" for the Sydney Opera House. In this film John talks about art and his life and the process of his practice. His family and mentor Stuart Perves add to the richness of his story. The documentary is narrated by Kamahl, singer and longtime friend. "A Sacred Landscape" would be great as a teaching tool and also for library use. John Coburn was interviewed over 4 years.
Series 01 is curated specifically for the Australian Senior Syllabus. Provide your faculty and students with biennial access to the full Anthology library.
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