[1] Inspired by nature, Olsen's works often emphasize details which would normally be overlooked but which he transforms into objects of beauty.
His graphic works include studies of rocks or flocks of birds in Iceland or the Faroe Islands.
Olsen also draws on nature for his raw materials, making use of branches, animal skulls or stuffed birds.
[2] At the 1995 Venice Biennale, Olsen exhibited Resonans, a large sculpture inspired by an armadillo shell, as well as many other items based on his favourite subjects and materials.
[1] In connection with John Olsen's 70th birthday on 25 May 2008, a retrospective exhibition of his work opened in the Johannes Larsen Museum in Kerteminde.