Meere is best known for his stylised art deco paintings dating from the interwar period , most notably '' Australian Beach Pattern '' ( 1938 – 40 ) . Alternately criticised or praised for its studied formality , this painting has been variously interpreted as a celebration of Australian beach culture , a glorification of heroic racial purity , or as a nuanced reflection of Australia 's unpreparedness for World War II . It was among the quintessential Australian images chosen for the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics program and was included in the major exhibition of Australian art held at London 's National Gallery in 2013
opening ceremony
2000 Summer Olympics opening ceremony
Charles Meere