Collection: Oliver J.

Oliver J uses his fiber works, drawings, and paintings to explore the politics of body aesthetics as well as the vulnerabilities within natural and human-made systems. Using a vibrant, graphic style, he laces drawings and paintings of cute plants and animals with humor, satire, and political messages. The act of drawing, a form of play for Oliver, is subversive: he has always been a doodler. “I’ve been in trouble for doodling all over my homework and my test papers,” he says.  

Oliver’s hexagon cardigans express his interest in color, pattern, and texture, as well as personal adornment. “I like looking nice, and making things fancy-looking,” he says. A series of recent horror-themed paintings explore some of his deepest fears, like falling off a ladder. Even his “spooky” work is endearing to him, though. “Halloween is my favorite holiday. “It’s fun to be spooky. You get to pretend to be something for a day or five. In my opinion, it’s always spooky season.”

Oliver J. has presented work at Interact Gallery.