artist statment

An MFA graduate, James brings a rich & energetic brushwork in oil, acrylic, & spray paint to figuration & landscape. He alternates brush handling to create motion, and there is a contemporary sensibility & urgency to his work that reflects his interest in the ways people inhabit their space and feel about it. Tensions are created through abstraction & fragmentation in scenes usually calm & bucolic.

James Olley’s paintings are as equally socially analytical as they are formally invested.  Possessing an arresting eye for colour and a brave, take-no-prisoners approach to pushing swathes of oil paint around, what motivates Olley as an artist, however, is his keen interest in examining the society that surrounds him. His aim is to add something to the general understanding of our social context, by producing paintings of places, people and things we tend not to think of in art, because they would normally be too private, too intimate, or too banal. And, by his use of richly expressive brushwork and an eye-popping, candy-bright colour palette, he can make us focus on these subjects without telling us first why we must do so. 

In the first place, the paintings speak to us so loudly that it takes time to soak in the subtler, social-realist edge in the work, and begin to gather what the painter is driving at; this also allows the imagery to bide its time with us, and avoid having to rationalize the intrusion into the seemingly hermetic lives of his cast of characters.  Whether in an individual portrait, a scene with one or more figures, or a landscape, the frontal assault involved maintains its force, so as to keep the paintings from losing their visual edge; furthermore those same formal qualities in the work act as a slow welcome – as well as an intensifier – to our consideration of his multivalent subject matter.

A graduate of the University of Waterloo’s MFA program, Olley was born in Toronto and now practices in Kitchener, Ontario. His roots in Canada’s urban environments, as well as its open spaces and countryside, have inspired a strong responsiveness to the idea of space in itself as a complex phenomenon, and to its depiction. Olley effectively analogizes the tension and dynamism that pictorial composition can produce to that of the social body politic; in this proximity, community, and cultural characteristics combine to form a sort “compositional” whole. His strategy is to equate reality and art so as to illuminate both from either side. As for instance in the recent painting Water Baby, we see a young woman treading in a body of water of indeterminate size; it could be a backyard pool, ocean or a lake in the country. The electric sparkle of the water around her, the pastel-hued reflections of her arms on the surface, and even her centralized, eye-grabbing facial expression, are all surrounded by the rolling movement of the thick black paint Olley has brushed into the appearance of the convincingly fluid water she is immersed in. The viewer is close up, and therefore, implicated in the drama of the piece. Are we her boyfriend or husband? Someone else she knows? A lover, a stranger, or a person to whom she responds ambiguously? All of these are possible readings of the piece, and interpretations Olley allows us to consider. 

It is his range of subjects, along with his formal quality, that accounts for the growing popularity of his work. Already teaching at the university level at his Alma Mater, since 2002 Olley’s work has been widely shown across the country. His first solo show came in 2008, the same year as his inaugural one-person show at Angell Gallery.  Well-received by critics and patrons alike, Olley stands in good stead to continue his exploration of space, society and of the people – semi-real and quasi-imaginary – who inhabit them. 


 


education:
Master of Fine Arts
  • University of Waterloo
    Waterloo, ON, 2008
Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Nova Scotia College of Art and Design
    Halifax , NS , 2004
SOLO EXHIBITIONS:

2012

Ever After
 
  • Galerie Trois Points, Montreal, QB
2011 From Landscapes to Love
 
  • ,Anna Leonowens Gallery, Halifax, NS.
  I Love You
 
  • Angell Gallery, Toronto, ON
2010 In Motion
 
  • Kasia Kay Art Projects, Chicago, IL, USA
2009 Dissimulation
 
  • Angell Gallery, Toronto, ON
 

Transitions
 
  • Rotunda Gallery, City Hall, Kitchener, ON
2008 Modern Dualities
 
  • Angell Gallery, Toronto, ON
  Painting Feature James Olley
 
  • Harbinger Gallery, Waterloo, ON
  Flat Places and Dynamic Spaces MFA Thesis Exhibition
 
  • Render Gallery, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
selected Group EXHIBITIONS:

2012

PMG Editions Project
 
  • Patrick Mikhail Gallery, Ottawa
2011 Under One Roof
 
  • ,Kasia Kay Art Projects, Chicago, IL, USA
  A Celebration of Colours
 
  • Jacana Contemporary Art, Vancouver BC.
  Off the Wall, off The Floor, Curated by: Kasia Kay
 
  • Walnut Ink Gallery, Michigan City, IN. USA
  State of the Art
 
  • Patrick Mikhail Gallery, 2401 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON
2010 Extreme Painting
 
  • Galerie Trois Points, Montreal, Quebec
  I want to Feel at Home Here
 
  • Milepost 5, Portland, OR. USA
  Ten Painters
 
  • Jacana Contemporary Art, Vancouver BC.
  It Looks Different From This Angel
 
  • It Looks Different From This Angel
  When the Dust Settels
 
  • Angell Gallery, Toronto, ON
  Transition Rotating Group Exhibition
 
  • Angell Gallery, Toronto, ON.
  ADANAC
 
  • Jacana Contemporary Art, Vancouver BC.
2009 Angell Group Show
 
  • Angell Gallery, Toronto, ON.
  Content
 
  • Jacana Contemporary Art, Vancouver BC.
  Artists of the Gallery
 
  • Galerie Trois Points, Montreal, Quebec
  Works on Paper Group Exhibition
 
  • Angell Gallery, Toronto, ON.
  Best of TOAE 2008 Exhibition
  First Canadian Place Gallery, Toronto, ON.
  Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition: Award Winners 2008
 
  • The First Canadian Place Gallery, Toronto, ON
2008

Intellectual Chic

 
  • Angell Gallery, Toronto, ON.
  Insights 29th Annual Juried Art Show
 
  • Elora Arts Council, Wellington County Museum & Archives
2007 Art Gallery of Hamilton Art Sale
 
  • Art Gallery of Hamilton, Hamilton, ON.
  Exposure
 
  • Artery Gallery , Kitchener, ON,
  City at Night: A Tribute to Brian Kipping Nuit Blanche
 
  • BAU-XI Gallery, Toronto, ON.
  ASAP
 
  • Artery Gallery, Kitchener, ON.
  Gand Opening Group Exhibition
 
  • Liss Gallery, Toronto, ON.
  Digitalvd -Carbon Footprint
 
  • The Ice Box, Crane Arts Centre, Philadelphia; Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh, Scotland; Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, Scotland; Galerie Weissraum, Kyoto, Japan; Groenhazengracht 1, Leiden, Netherlands; Mat's Flat Ul. Holowki 00-749, Warsaw, Poland; Margaret St. Gallery, Birmingham City University, UK; Incident Report, Hudson, New York; Edinburgh Printmakers, Edinburgh, Scotland
2006 Kingston Arts Council 5th Annual Juried Arts Salon
 
  • Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Kingston, ON.
2005 10th Annual Art in the Park
 
  • Markham Museum & Historic Village, Markham, ON.

 

 Small Works
 
  • Touch Bath and Body, Coburg, ON.
2004 NSCAD Emerging Artists
 
  • Argyle Fine Art, Halifax, NS.
  Living Landscapes
 
  • Connections Clubhouse, Halifax, NS.
2003 Consulate General Student Show
 
  • U.S. Consulate General Residence, Halifax, NS.
  Board of Governors Painting Show
 
  • NSCAD University Painting Department, Halifax, NS.
2002 Look at My Little Landscapes
 
  • Anna Leonowens Gallery, NSCAD University, Halifax, NS.
  Image and Abstraction
 
  • Anna Leonowens Gallery, NSCAD University, Halifax, NS.

ART FAIRS:

2012

Papier 12
 
  • Contemporary Art Fair, Montreal
2011 Next 2011 Chicago
 
  • Chicago, IL, USA
2010 Next 2010 Chicago
 
  • Chicago, IL, USA
2009 Pulse Miami
 
  • Miami, FL. USA
  The Toronto International Art Fair
 
  • Angell Gallery, Toronto, ON
  The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
 
  • Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON
  Pulse New York
 
  • New York, USA.
2008 Toronto International Art Fair
 
  • Angell Gallery, Toronto, ON
  The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
 
  • Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON
2007 The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
 
  • Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON
2004 The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
 
  • Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON
2003 The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
 
  • Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON
donations:
2011

Art for Life
 
  • Vancouver, BC.
2008 Line Art 2008
 
  • Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, ON
 

University of Waterloo Alumni Exhibition
 
  • University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
2007 Black & Gold Galla
 
  • Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener, ON
2006 Black & Gold Galla
 
  • Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener, ON
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Assistant Professor
OCADU
100 McCaul St.
Toronto, Ontario
2011 - 2012
  • The Convincing Picture: Critical Views on Painting, Intermediate Figure Painting, Abstract Painting

    The Convincing Picture examines some of the critiques levelled against paintings' relevance and offers a means of responding in both written and visual forms to these debates. The role of painting in contemporary visual culture and the expanding virtual realm are amongst the topics to be considered. As a studio seminar, students will read critical texts, participate in seminar presentations, write essays and make artwork responding to post-modern speculations on the validity of painting.

    Intermediate Figure Painting explores rapid and sustained studies from life models, demonstrations and individual critiques build the in-depth knowledge of painting processes and techniques that students need to represent the human figure. The emphasis is on building surfaces, the application of colours, brushstrokes and glazes, and on the logistics of interpreting light and form within figure/ground relationships.

    Abstract Painting introduces students to expressive and experiential nature of abstract painting. Students develop their own painting vocabulary and an understanding of abstract form through a series of projects that emphasize the meaning of colour, gesture, form and compositional design that belie the flatness of picture plane.
Sessional Instructor
NSCAD University
Halifax, NS
2011 (July - August)
  • Painting, Landscape Course

    Canada can be defined by its beautiful and vast landscapes, drastically shifting as you travel from the east to the west.  Historically Landscape is an important theme for Canadians and some would say a defining aspect of being Canadian.  This course will explore the students’ individual approach to landscape.  Students will examine the surrounding landscape of Halifax and Nova Scotia and through Plein-Air Painting will record observational studies that they will use for larger paintings completed in studio.  This course will expand on students pre-existing understanding of traditional and contemporary painting, techniques and concepts, with an understanding of its formal language and the fundamentals of artistic expression. 
      
Sessional Instructor
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON
2007 - 2011
  • Instruct Intro to Painting, Colour Theory, Second Year Painting course, and First Year Fundamental Drawing class
    Introduce traditional drawing and oil painting techniques
    Develop students' compositional, observational, modeling, shading, mark-making, paint handling and figure painting skills
    Design course syllabus and projects
    Compile online resources
Mentor & Advisor
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON
2007
  • Mentor and advise fourth year undergraduate Fine Art students
    Provide critical analysis of student work
Lecturer’s Assistant
North Glasgow College
Glasgow, Scotland
2007
  • Assist with instruction of Portfolio in Art & Design
    Instruct mixed media portion of the course
    Provide students with demonstrations, critiques and evaluations
    Assist with new courseware and development
Teacher’s Assistant
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON
2006
  • Assist with the instruction of Fundamentals of Painting course 
    Work alongside Professor Doug Kirton
    Instruct figurative painting portion of the course
Instructor
Connections Clubhouse
Halifax, NS
2004
  • Instruct a four week introductory Encaustic Workshop
    Work with special needs students
Guest Artist and Instructor
Halifax Regional Municipality
Halifax, NS
2003-2004
  • Provide instruction for adult Drawing and Painting classes at Needham Community Centre and St. Andrew’s Community Centre
    Created specific learning units as requested by instructor

Awards and ResidencieS:
Exhibition Assistance Grant
  • Ontario Arts Council, 2009
Emerging Artist Grant
  • ,Ontario Arts Council, 2009

Vermont Studio Center Residency
  • Vermont, USA., 2009
Best Student Painting
  • 48th Annual Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON, 2008
First Place Painting Award
  • Elora Arts Council, Elora, ON, 2008
Sylvia Knight Award in Fine Arts
  • Waterloo, ON, 2008
Shantz Summer Internship Scholarship
  • The Keith and Win Shantz Summer Internship, Waterloo, ON, 2007
Honorable Mention
  • Wallack’s Award, Kingston Arts Council, Kingston, ON, 2006
Robert Pope Painting Scholarship
  • NSCAD, Halifax, NS, 2003
 
bibliography:
Bravo! To Canadian Art: All About Painting
  • Ben Klein, coordinator of "Extreme Painting," speaks to Bravo! Television, air date: 2010, 08, 05.
Featured Reviews
  • Liz Dyla, Chicago Art Magazine, April 5, 2010
Review: James Olley/Kasia Kay Art Projects Gallery
  • Jamie Calder, Newcity Art, April 8, 2010

Gallery Going
  • Gary Michael Dault, The Globe and Mail, August 9, 2008
Intellectual Chic Review
Toronto Star
  • "Visual Arts - What's On, Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition: A Field Guide", Toronto Star, Toronto, ON, July 10, 2008
Review Dilettante's Diary - TORONTO OUTDOOR ART EXHIBITION 08
Featured Artist - Arts News Canada
  • http://www.artsnews.ca, February 7, 2008
Featured Artist - Click here for the News Clip
  • CH Morning Live News, Hamilton, ON. air date: 2007, 11, 02
Featured Artist
  • “Barometer Rising: Up and Comers: James Olley,” The Daily News, Halifax, NS, March 25, 2004
 


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