Unit 9.4

John Wolseley

John Wolseley was born in Great Britain. He studied at a reknown art school in London.  He lived & worked in Paris for a while under a highly influential C20th printmaker. He later moved to the west of England but eventually settled in Australia in the mid 1970s. His new home provided him with a distinctive environment removed from the European landscape tradition, shifting his perspective and altering his painting practice when it comes to the intense observation of nature. Since his arrival, Wolseley has made several journeys throughout Australia, beginning with his extensive exploration of central Australia, followed by a trip to the country’s north-west.

Through various later projects, Wolseley continued to assume the role of an explorer in seeking new locations and embarking upon the study of landscapes and threatened ecosystems. He has engaged in extensive travel and painting in northern Australia and Indonesia. Furthermore, he participated in a four month project in the Royal National Park in New South Wales. By repeatedly immersing himself in new locations, Wolseley finds new ways of relating to the land, which translates into interesting artistic practices. 

Wolseley documents his explorations through drawings of the intimate processes and natural histories of the sites he visits. His distinctive methods include rubbing paper against burnt tree branches and releasing papers into the wind, which he collects several months later to review the way in which nature has inscribed the works. 

Wolseley’s work has appeared in a long list of solo and group exhibitions. He has received multiple honours  as well as many art awards over the years. Additionally, Wolseley received an Honorary degree from Macquarie University, Sydney, in the course of Doctor of Science, reflecting his knowledge of natural history, botany and ornithology.His work is represented in many prominent Australian and British collections.