Review from Eden Arts - Francis McWhannell

Oliver Cain is an English/New Zealand Artist. His work covers a broad range of topics as it changes and develops as well as a wide range of materials.

His early works are highly floral which influenced later work upon moving to New Zealand, Cain embraced the new visual culture available to him and his work reflects the New Zealand images that imprinted on him as a young man.

“New Zealand may be a young country, but it is rich in culture and heritage I am trying to portray the images that struck me when arriving here. The symmetry of these designs all show the harmony of how our culture embraces different aspects of our heritage.”

More recent work has touched on more confronting or challenging issues around homosexuality and the experiences facing the queer community. Making work that is highly personal and deeply meaningful. As well as pushing ideas further by using different materials that add a more physical, tactile and visceral feel to the work.

Cain likes making work that pushes you into an uncomfortable space but not over the edge, wanting you to experience something different or step back and think about a topic in a different light. Making work that is playful and light hearted with serious undertones once you understand what is being said.