MARGARET OLLEY
Margaret Olley’s still life paintings from the 1950s encompass an authoritative treatment of colour, light and space, revealing an assured familiarity with the work of Matisse and Impressionism. Olley graduated from East Sydney Technical College in 1945. She initially exhibited with the Royal Queensland Art Society and the 'Under Thirties Group', holding her first solo exhibition in Sydney at the Macquarie Galleries in 1948. She travelled to London in 1949, moving to Paris and attending La Grande Chamiére, studying the work of Matisse and Bonnard and exhibiting at the Galerie Paul Morihien, Palais Royal in 1952.
By the early 1950s, she was widely recognised for her assured ability as an impressionist painter and her treatment of light and colour. She returned permanently to live and work in Australia in 1953. Olley also held a distinguished reputation as an art collector, lending and gifting works to numerous collections. In 2001 the Art Gallery of New South Wales established the Margaret Olley Twentieth Century European Gallery and held a retrospective exhibition of her painting in 1997. Her work is held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney and the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.
Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services