
		FAVORITES MY CART
	Max after surfing, 1939 by Olive Edith Cotton (1911-2003, Australia) Olive Edith Cotton \| ArtsDot.com

Buy 10 paintings and get 20% + 10% off on all items

Van Gogh Birthday, 20% off sitewide! Valid:30/03/2025

FREE Shipping. All the time. See details.

Max after surfing

Add to Favorites

Download the image: Olive Edith Cotton - Max after surfing

Download image

Send an E-Card with this Artwork : Max after surfing, 1939 by Olive Edith Cotton (1911-2003, Australia) Olive Edith Cotton | ArtsDot.com

Send as E-card

Explore

Olive Edith Cotton (i)

National Gallery of Victoria (Melbourne, Australia) (i)

Year : 1939
Media : Photograph (i)
Size : 26 x 19 cm

This image represents a two-dimensional work of art, such as a drawing, painting, print, or similar creation. The copyright for this image is likely owned by either the artist who created it, the individual who commissioned the work, or their legal heirs. It is believed that the use of low-resolution images of artworks: for purposes of critical commentary on:

the specific work in question,
the artistic genre or technique employed in the artwork, or
the artistic school or tradition to which the artist is associated,

qualifies as fair use under copyright law.
Any other use of this image, could potentially constitute a copyright infringement.

This work is an intimate photographic portrait of the young Australian photographer Max Dupain. The photograph was taken five years after Olive Cotton came to work at Dupain’s photographic studio, and shortly after the pair married in 1939.It shows the handsome, young Dupain fresh from surfing. Attention is drawn to his lean and muscular body which are given prominence by Cotton’s use of dramatic lighting. Her emphasis on his torso reflects the interest that the couple had in classical sculpture. As curator of Photography at the National Gallery of Victoria, Isobel Crombie explains, ‘The emphasis on his classically proportioned torso suggests that he has physically enacted his belief that modern men and women should model their bodies on those of Greek and Roman statuary.’ (Isobel Crombie, Body Culture: Max Dupain, Photography and Australian Culture, 1919-1939, National Gallery of Victoria and The Images Publishing Group, Melbourne, 2004, p.190.)It is significant that this photograph was taken at a time when the ideals of physical health and fitness were prominently held in Australian society. Like many Australians in the 1930s, both Cotton and Dupain were advocates of the importance of physical fitness and both photographers swam and surfed regularly at Sydney’s ocean beaches. For Cotton this was always seen as a highly personal portrait, and it was not exhibited publicly until 1997, five years after Max Dupain died.Text © National Gallery of Victoria, Australia

Open full description

Olive Edith Cotton

Slide show Olive Edith Cotton
All 2 Artworks from Olive Edith Cotton

Olive Edith Cotton was a renowned Australian modernist photographer, born on July 11, 1911, and passed away on September 27, 2003. Her work primarily focused on the 1930s and 1940s in Sydney, where she became a national name with her retrospective and touring exhibition in 1985. A book about her life and work was published by the National Library of Australia in 1995.

Early Life and Career

Cotton's interest in photography began at a young age, and she captured her childhood friend Max Dupain from the sidelines at photoshoots. She made several portraits of him, and he was also her first husband. Her work was influenced by the modernist movement, which emphasized experimentation and innovation.

Photographic Style and Techniques

Cotton's photographic style was characterized by her use of bold compositions, geometric shapes, and a focus on capturing the essence of her subjects. She was known for her modernist approach to photography, which involved experimenting with new techniques and pushing the boundaries of traditional photography.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Some of Cotton's notable works include Fashion shot, Cronulla Sandhills, circa 1937, which showcases her unique perspective on modernist photography. Her work has been exhibited at various museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the National Gallery of Australia. You can explore more of her works on WahooArt.com, which features a collection of her photographs.

Influence and Legacy

Cotton's influence on Australian photography is undeniable, and she has inspired many photographers to experiment with new techniques and styles. Her legacy continues to be celebrated through various exhibitions and publications, including the National Library of Australia's book about her life and work.

Her photographs are characterized by bold compositions and geometric shapes.
She was a pioneer of Australian modernist photography.
Her work has been exhibited at various museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the National Gallery of Australia.
You can explore more of her works on WahooArt.com.

Olive Edith Cotton's contribution to Australian photography is immeasurable, and her work continues to inspire photographers and art enthusiasts alike. Her modernist approach to photography has left a lasting legacy, and her photographs remain a testament to her innovative spirit and artistic vision. You can learn more about Max Dupain, another prominent Australian photographer, on WahooArt.com.

Similar artworks