Olive Cotton gave definition to Australian photography in the 1930s and 1940s with such loved images as the Tea Cup Ballet.  During this time, she was both a life and artistic partner to Max Dupain.  After a new marriage and move to Cowra, she resumed her photography only in the 1960s.  Her work was influenced by international photographers and trends yet she brought her own brilliant innovations to her visual work. This talk draws from the 2025 NGA Travelling exhibition.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face / Online

COURSE OUTLINE

• Life story of Olive Cotton
• Highlights of her significant photographs and images
• Explore elements of her artistic & life partnership with Max Dupain
• Understand some of the international photographic influences and artistic trends of contemporaries

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Be aware of Olive Cotton’s life story
2. Identify some famous Olive Cotton photo images
3. Name some of the international influences on Olive Cotton in the 1930s & 1940s
4. Be aware of some of her works in the NGA & AGNSW collections