Bid the Gap
01 JULY 2023 - 20 JULY 2023Notes
Introducing Oliva Mansfield
Born in 1988. Studied at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, Byam Shaw. Then took a BA(Hons) in Fine Art Practice from Goldsmiths, University Of London.
Olivia’s multidisciplinary practice is rooted in classical painting, iconography, theology, historic culture, ritual and symbolism. Themes of myth, legend and folklore intertwine vividly in a playful balance of the abstract, botanical, celestial and figurative elements she encompasses.
Her paintings will transport you to imaginary worlds both fantastical and tellurian, alluding to and echoing our own existence. Wistful faces, wandering beasts, anointed altars, prophetic visions. Vessels, chambers, coracles, crucibles all twist and jostle, swirling amongst the alluring, luscious, somewhat mercurial and volatile dwellings she creates.
There is an inward looking, deciphering dreams and transformations, love, loss, longing. Combinations of fast, rapid movements with that of a delicate unfurling fern, gasping for air, bursting up from the tumultuous uneven ground; these gestures and imagery continuously looking to highlight the palpable vulnerability we as living creatures hold within our ever-changing and uncertain world.
Accolades:
EDUCATION
2012
BA (Hons), Goldsmiths University Of London, London, United Kingdom
2009
Fine Art Foundation, Central Saint Martens, UAL, London, United Kingdom
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2021
Rosa Oculus, Brushes With Greatness Gallery, Pimlico, London, UK
2017
In Sediment, Upstairs At The Ritzy Gallery, Brixton, London, UK
2014
Hypostasis, The Old Church, Stoke Newington, London, UK
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2022
Spirit Within, Brushes With Greatness, Ben Oakley Gallery, Greenwich
2022
Relationship With The Self, The Take Courage Gallery, curated by Juliet Wilson
2022
Women Celebrating Surrealism - The Centenary, Islington Arts Factory, curated by Jenny Blake
2022
Art on a Postcard Winter Auction, The Bomb Factory Foundation, Covent Garden, London
2022
Visions of Healing, Brushes With Greatness Gallery, 44 Hallam Street, London
2022
A Room Of Her Own, Irving Contemporary, Oxford, UK
2021
While We Wait, Vacant Museum, Online
2021
Reflections, The Holy Art Gallery, London, Online
2021
Together Through Painting, London Paint Club, Online
2021
Into The Cosmere, Brushes With Greatness Gallery, Shoreditch, London, UK
2021
Euphoric, Procrastinarting, Josephine-May Bailey, Online
2021
With Love II, Paint Talk, Online
2014
Summer Show, The Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich, London, UK