Christopher Oliver
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Queen's University
It took more than 10 years to rediscover painting after graduating university. In what feels like an effort to “catch up”, I’m simultaneously creating multiple bodies of work, varying in subject matter, to hone my craft, determine where my creative interests lie, and develop my mark-making and style.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
My inaugural portrait series incorporates a twist on classic portraiture to elevate the subject’s internal monologue and evoke an emotion for the audience. In contrast, my urban landscapes are painted with the intention of finding a sense of nostalgia or familiarity. I’m able to lean into my years of casual photography for inspiration.
Most of my work is larger in size. Perhaps it’s the same feeling of seeing a movie in theatre rather than watching it on my phone. For me, a bigger image feels more immersive.
I am currently working under the mentorship of printmaker and painter Daniel Kelly. Daniel’s work can be found internationally in public galleries and private collections including the British Museum, The MET, and MoMA.
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Queen's University
It took more than 10 years to rediscover painting after graduating university. In what feels like an effort to “catch up”, I’m simultaneously creating multiple bodies of work, varying in subject matter, to hone my craft, determine where my creative interests lie, and develop my mark-making and style.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
My inaugural portrait series incorporates a twist on classic portraiture to elevate the subject’s internal monologue and evoke an emotion for the audience. In contrast, my urban landscapes are painted with the intention of finding a sense of nostalgia or familiarity. I’m able to lean into my years of casual photography for inspiration.
Most of my work is larger in size. Perhaps it’s the same feeling of seeing a movie in theatre rather than watching it on my phone. For me, a bigger image feels more immersive.
I am currently working under the mentorship of printmaker and painter Daniel Kelly. Daniel’s work can be found internationally in public galleries and private collections including the British Museum, The MET, and MoMA.
$7,500.00
Oil on canvas.
36x36"
Dreaming in Red is a moment captured in the back alleys of Kyoto, Japan. It’s an exercise in contrast in both its composition and its context. The red darks and lights provide a sense of warmth despite a subject wearing a heavy coat on what must be a cool evening. The painting plays on the concept of the illusion of detail. A sharp foreground where the marks of the brush are still apparent invokes a sense of realism without losing a certain softness juxtaposed with the out of focus backdrop. It’s inviting and yet we wonder about the subject and what the lantern means to her, if anything at all.
$7,500.00
Oil on canvas.
36x36"
Soft Serve Regret distills the things we’ve lost down to a simple childhood comfort food, a soft serve ice cream cone. The meaning of the ice cream cone is different for all of us. Ultimately, I think it’s important to reflect on and, perhaps, come to terms with the loss or losses that haunt us as adults. There is a bit of mystery in the young woman’s face. Her own personal losses and emotions are open to interpretation.
The portrait is based on a photograph of Chizoba Martin, a fashion designer based in Toronto, Ontario. The dress appearing in the portrait was designed by Chizoba.