Jared Olsever
Jared Olsever is a digital media, illustration, and traditional painting artist who has committed several of his projects to uplifting the 2SLGBTQIA+ through murals, community projects, and group exhibitions. As someone who grew up in a restrictive and conservative household, it’s imperative to Olsever to infuse his practice with influences from his queer identity and BIPOC back ground to demonstrate Queer liberation. In 2023, Olsever made a significant mark with his debut solo exhibition, That’s Jazz Baby, at Crybaby gallery in Toronto. The exhibition embodied his love for character composition in real world scenarios with a fantasy twist.
Through his creations, Olsever creates psychedelic experiences, using lighting and absurdity to juxtapose nostalgia with the visceral nature of youth, highlighting life's fleeting moments. As a painter and illustrator, Olsever delves into themes of queer identity, fantasy, and playfulness through dynamic compositions. His artwork reflects his experience growing up in an unaccepting community, and explores a world of characters—mostly non-binary—who embody humor and absurdity through facial expressions and body language. By reimagining his life experiences, including the loss of friends and family as a result of choosing to live his life authentically and Queer, Olsever's work serves as a fluid representation of human existence, where sexuality is an evident yet not defining element.
Olsever's artistic evolution stems from his repressive past, offering a lighthearted perspective on life's challenges. His illustrations, inspired by childhood cartoons that offered him solace, transcend boundaries, inviting viewers into a whimsical world where humor is found in everyday scenarios. His preferred mediums, including digital illustration, acrylic, and spray paint, further enrich his storytelling, creating a vibrant and welcoming space for all to explore.
Jared Olsever is a digital media, illustration, and traditional painting artist who has committed several of his projects to uplifting the 2SLGBTQIA+ through murals, community projects, and group exhibitions. As someone who grew up in a restrictive and conservative household, it’s imperative to Olsever to infuse his practice with influences from his queer identity and BIPOC back ground to demonstrate Queer liberation. In 2023, Olsever made a significant mark with his debut solo exhibition, That’s Jazz Baby, at Crybaby gallery in Toronto. The exhibition embodied his love for character composition in real world scenarios with a fantasy twist.
Through his creations, Olsever creates psychedelic experiences, using lighting and absurdity to juxtapose nostalgia with the visceral nature of youth, highlighting life's fleeting moments. As a painter and illustrator, Olsever delves into themes of queer identity, fantasy, and playfulness through dynamic compositions. His artwork reflects his experience growing up in an unaccepting community, and explores a world of characters—mostly non-binary—who embody humor and absurdity through facial expressions and body language. By reimagining his life experiences, including the loss of friends and family as a result of choosing to live his life authentically and Queer, Olsever's work serves as a fluid representation of human existence, where sexuality is an evident yet not defining element.
Olsever's artistic evolution stems from his repressive past, offering a lighthearted perspective on life's challenges. His illustrations, inspired by childhood cartoons that offered him solace, transcend boundaries, inviting viewers into a whimsical world where humor is found in everyday scenarios. His preferred mediums, including digital illustration, acrylic, and spray paint, further enrich his storytelling, creating a vibrant and welcoming space for all to explore.