THE AUSTRALIAN - Tim Olsen gives an insider’s view of the art world and living in the long shadow of his famous father John by Ashleigh Wilson
SMH - HOT OFF THE PRESS - Son of the Brush, the frank memoir of Tim Olsen, John Olsen’s son, charts his tumultuous life from the highs of mixing with Australia’s artistic and social elite, to the lows of his battles with alcoholism and depression. By Nicole Abadee
RADIO NATIONAL INTERVIEW & REVIEW by Barbie Robinson, Living Arts Canberra
ABOUT TIM OLSEN
Tim Olsen is one of Australia's most recognised and respected art identities and successful gallery owners. Son of Australia's national living treasure, artist Dr John Olsen, A.O. O.B.E., Olsen was born into a life of modern and contemporary art.
He established his own Gallery in 1993, which has rapidly expanded to become one of Sydney's leading galleries today, marking his contribution and commitment to the Australian art scene. He not only has supported the careers of many of Australia's leading established artists but also has nurtured the creative lives of many emerging artists who can presently include themselves as being very much part of the art establishment today.
Tim has been a foundation member of the AGNSW for over 15 years and is dedicated to its restoration department and also a major donor and benefactor to the MCA. He has been a patron of the King's School Art Prize for over twenty-five years and since 2000, sponsored the annual Tim Olsen Drawing Prize at UNSW, School of art and design. He was on the foundation board of the University of New South Wales for over 15 years.
Tim Olsen at OLSEN Gallery, Sydney 2019 Photo: Greg Weight
“John Olsen is the subject of an explosive memoir penned by his son, who accuses the artist of multiple infidelities and building his creative career at the expense of the family he left behind. Tim Olsen's book Son of the Brush, published this week by Allen & Unwin, and launched Wednesday evening at the Art Gallery of NSW, also paints a picture of an art world corrupted by fraudsters, sycophants and unconvicted sexual predators.”
— Helen O’Neill, The Age
12 November 2020
“The author demonstrates superior skill as a raconteur. Much of the material he presents with so much charm originated with his father….Tim convinces readers that at base he is a decent human being and does not hide that he has significant human weaknesses. His memoir shows that he has overcome his challenges as he continues to play a leading part in giving back to his community. As an aid to gaining knowledge about John Olsen and as a vehicle that bares what weaknesses can beset a good man, this memoir makes fine reading.”
— Ian Lipke Queensland Reviewers Collective,
5 November 2020
“In Son of the Brush (a play on the laconic expression ‘son of a gun’), Tim Olsen brilliantly encapsulates the contours of what now seems to be his ultimately fortunate life – its triumphs, its failures, its tragedies and its joys – including the pleasures and pitfalls of having a hugely famous father.He recounts his early life with fondness and honesty..”
— Ross Fitzgerald
The Spectator, 19 October 2020
James and Tim Olsen (Photo: Wesley Nel)
Louise and Tim Olsen (Photo: Wesley Nel)
Tim and Pat Corrigan (Photo: Wesley Nel)
Tim Olsen, Margaret Fink and Meredith Burgmann (Photo: Wesley Nel)
Michelle Glew Ross and Tim Ross (Photo: Wesley Nel)
“A great read. Controversial and very dark at times. Couldn’t put it down. Genius.
— Austen Tayshus, comedian, actor and director
“Tim Olsen’s moving memoir paints a vivid insight into the Australian art scene as well being a poignant and honest reflection on the highs and lows of an extraordinary family life .Witty and insightful without ever being salacious or self aggrandising, a joy to read from the first page to the last.”
— Noah Taylor, Actor and Artist
“While I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Tim personally through his championing of my older brother George’s work. This book filled in the blanks on a rich and fascinating life - all while offering a glimpse into the inner workings of one of Australia’s preeminent creative families. Congratulations Tim - fantastic read.”
— Rose Byrne, Actor.”
Few can understand both the divine generosity and the absolute selfishness of the artists life . Tim writes with love hilarity and ruefullness from a vantage point of a child in the moment that Australian art bloomed and his journey to find his own place in the world as a leading gallerist”
— Rachel Griffiths, Actor and Director
“Fabulous book Tim. Such a life! Rawly honest. And well done with the tone, like my mum used to say: if you can’t think of anything nice to say about someone then don’t say anything! Wish I’d met your mum - I attended art classes at Hornsby Tech in 1970-71 so it must’ve been a close thing x”
— Nicholas Harding, Artist
“Tim Olsen’s memoir SON OF A BRUSH is absolutely riveting. His story is courageous, honest and moving. It includes an illuminating account of his recovery from addiction; a journey I am pleased to be sharing with him.”
— Professor Ross Fitzgerald AM, Columnist for The Australian and The Spectator Australia.
“Tim Olsen has written a book with a greater ambition, an extended meditation on identity, addiction and creativity in a world saturated in art.”
— Ashleigh Wilson, The Australian
“Olsen’s memoir about the joys and challenges of growing up in the shadow of his famous artist father, John, is a fascinating read. In addition to all the juicy art world anecdotes, it’s a candid look at his journey from “free range” child to respected art dealer.”
— Georgie Gordon, The Sydney Morning Herald
“There is a great deal here for the reader and it is wonderfully well-written…I highly commend this to all interested in contemporary Australia, in Australian biography, and in art and society. It is a beautifully crafted book, embellished with family photographs, and holds the reader’s attention to the last word..”
— Barbie Robinson, Living Arts Canberra