Kathleen O’Connor of Paris

What does it mean to live a life in pursuit of art?

In 1906, Kathleen O’Connor left conservative Perth, where her famous father’s life had ended in tragedy. She had her sights set on a career in thrilling, bohemian Paris. More than a century later, novelist Amanda Curtin faces her own questions, of life and of art, as she embarks on a journey in Kate’s footsteps.

Part biography, part travel narrative, this is the story of an artist in a foreign land who, with limited resources and despite the impacts of war and loss, worked and exhibited in Paris for over forty years. Kate’s distinctive figure paintings, portraits and still lifes, highly prized today, form an inseparable part of the telling.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘Though O’Connor will always be part mystery, one thing is certain – through Curtin’s research we will now know much more about O’Connor and her work.’ Artist’s Chronicle

‘Curtin unearthed obscure newspaper articles and letters to family and friends, providing tantalising glimpses into O’Connor’s personality. Curtin fleshes out the bare bones to create a riveting story …’ Perth Voice

‘… the result of years of painstaking research and an equally disciplined imaginative, empathetic engagement with her subject …’ Weekend West

‘… brilliantly researched …’ Writing WA

‘Kathleen O’Connor of Paris is a remarkable book. Countless hours of archive digging through obscure newspaper clippings, art samples and letters have resulted in a vibrant yet nuanced portrait of O’Connor that brings her art, passions and adventures to life.’ Better Reading

‘… Amanda Curtin paints a tender and engrossing account of a turn-of-the-century (19th to 20th, that is) woman who embraced a bohemian lifestyle … The whole thing is entrancing.’ Fremantle Shipping News