NICK OLSEN:
OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY
03/05/2024 - 28/05/2024
Wagner Contemporary is pleased to be debuting Brisbane-based artist Nick Olsen in Sydney, with his exhibition Over the Hills and Far Away. In his new body of work Olsen explores the prominence of ‘escapism’ within the national psyche, and how the ‘holiday house’ is emblematic of the Australian experience of – and relation to – the sea-change, the tree-change and the importance of tranquillity and our natural environment to self. This particular theme is an extension of the artist’s fascination with the concept of ‘house’ as a caricature.
Olsen’s bold use of high-key colour and geometric application of paint shows a clear departure from the modern conventions of landscape painting and presenting us with a uniquely contemporary style. Natural perspective is used to situate viewers within these seemingly ‘ordinary’ suburban scenes, inviting contemplation of past thoughts, feelings and memories. This sense of familiarity is furthered by Olsen’s masterful portrayal of light and shade, enhancing the filmic quality of his work.
WORKS
Nick Olsen 'Mint Green with Storm' oil on canvas 76 x 62cm $3,700
Nick Olsen 'Over the Rainbow' oil on canvas 76 x 62cm $3,700
Nick Olsen 'Time Capsule' oil on canvas 76 x 76cm $3,950
Nick Olsen 'Escape to Reality' oil on canvas 92 x 92cm $4,500
Nick Olsen 'Morning Hydrangeas' oil on canvas 76 x 62cm SOLD
Nick Olsen 'Together Forever' oil on canvas 76 x 76cm $3,950
Nick Olsen 'Mid Modern Dream' oil on canvas 76 x 62cm $3,700
Nick Olsen 'Dream House' oil on canvas 76 x 62cm $3,700
Nick Olsen 'On the Right Track' oil on canvas 92 x 92cm SOLD
Nick Olsen 'Light on the Soul' oil on canvas 102 x 102cm $5,500
Nick Olsen 'Free to Fly' oil on canvas 76 x 62cm $3,700
Nick Olsen 'Into the Light' oil on canvas 62 x 76cm $3,700
Nick Olsen 'Hidden Path' oil on canvas 76 x 63cm $3,700
Nick Olsen 'House in the Sun' oil on canvas 50 x 50cm SOLD
Nick Olsen 'The Edge of Time' oil on canvas 50 x 50cm SOLD
Nick Olsen 'Over the Hills and Far Away' oil on board 40 x 30cm SOLD
Nick Olsen 'Inner West Steep' oil on board 40 x 40cm $1,900
Nick Olsen 'Shadows on the Hill' oil on board 40 x 40cm $1,900
Nick Olsen 'Chimney Streets' oil on wood panel 25 x 30cm $1,500