Alex Olson
Lives and works in Los Angeles (b. 1978, Boston, U.S.)
“I do think that painting is a language, as all marks are referential, but that’s just one element that comes into play for me when making a painting. My focus is on choreographing these marks in ways that prompt a desire to read, but without providing precise language to do so. It’s about suspending the act of looking and judging for the viewer, and hopefully encouraging a constant reassessment of these judgments…”
Top 5 works:
“I’m trying to make clear, accessible paintings, built using deliberate marks. Generally, I choose marks that have the ability to behave as stock signage—meaning that they act as a sign but remain unattached to a singular definition—such as a dash or an “x.” They are very flexible, and can conjure up associations without delivering one precise read.” (Interview from Painters’ Table)
Visit the artist’s page on Shane Campbell Gallery and Laura Bartlett Gallery websites.
Reblogged this on paintingsquares and commented:
I discovered Alex Olsen today and wanted to share CAD’s post as most of his description of painting and what he is trying to do can be dropped over my own practice quite neatly.
I invite you to take a look.