Private collection, Sydney

Beach Landscape (Sand Dunes) is a familiar yet ethereal coastal scene. The undulating sand dotted with rough patches of grass under a cloud-strewn sky is reminiscent of the wild yet peaceful nature of much of Australia’s ever-changing beachscape. The photograph captures Cotton’s remarkable ability to play with shadow and light, skills which established the artist’s reputation as one of the foremost female photographers in the antipodes. 

The Olive Cotton Estate;
Private collection, Sydney

Note: There were very few prints of this image that were signed by Cotton. Printed by Roger Scott. Held in NPG, Canberra.

In 1929, at the age of 18, Olive Cotton became a member of the Sydney Camera Club and the Photographic Society of New South Wales. She graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in english and mathematics. She joined Max Dupain’s studio shortly after completing her studies, marrying him in 1939. During the war years Cotton ran Dupain’s studio while he was away on war service. Today, she is recognised as a major contributor to Australian photography.

This montage was created by overlaying two photographic negatives, creating a simple yet enchanting floral composition. A variant of this image is illustrated in two books, both written by Professor Helen Ennis, Olive Cotton, Photographer, NLA, 1995, p63, and in Olive Cotton, AGNSW, 2000 (p. 51).

In 1929, at the age of 18, Olive Cotton became a member of the Sydney Camera Club and the Photographic Society of New South Wales. She graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in english and mathematics. She joined Max Dupain’s studio shortly after completing her studies, marrying him in 1939. During the war years Cotton ran Dupain’s studio while he was away on war service. Today, she is recognised as a major contributor to Australian photography.