Born in Hurstville, Sydney, in 1917, Australian painter Justin O’Brien is notable for his characteristically bright palate, and his use of religious imagery and symbolism.

Son of devout Roman Catholics, Tess and Maurice O’Brien, he was the third of six artistic children. A determined painter since his youth, at thirteen, O’Brien began private art lessons under Edward M. Smith, a teacher at the East Sydney Technical College and a known painter of religious themes, with whom he remained for four years.

Although most of his artistic success was experienced in Australia, including numerous solo shows since 1947, much of O’Brien’s artistic development is indebted to his experiences in Europe. His experiences abroad began in 1940 du...