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.
GALLERIES/EXHIBITIONS SHOWN IN:
2020
Corban Estate Arts Centre, Auckland - Feb - Mar
Molly Morpeth Canaday Awards - TeKoputu Exhibition centre, Whakatane - 16th Feb – 12th Apr
Academy Galleries (WAA) - Queens Wharf, Wellington - 15th Feb – 22nd Mar
Föenander Galleries - small work salon (group show) - 8th - 24th feb
Millers O'Brien - Graduation Show - Wellington - 31st Jan - 15th Feb
Craigs Aspiring Art Show - Wanaka
2019
Föenander Galleries - Group show - 'Ida Soleil'
Wallace Gallery Morrinsville (WAA)
The Dowse Art Musem - ECC NZ Student Design/ Craft Awards
Par Homestead - Finalist for The Wallace Art Awards
Webbs - Eden Arts 2019
Lake House Arts - Ceramic Showcase
2018
The Dowse Art Musem - ECC NZ Student Design/ Craft Awards
Sculpture Onshore 2018 - Auckland, NZ
Lake House Arts - Riley Consultants member exhibition
MADE - Mt Albert Art + design Exhibition
Great Art Sale - Lake house Arts
Par Homestead - Finalist for The Wallace Art Awards
The James Wallace Arts Trust - Nine Works in Sir James Wallace's Art Collection.
No.1 Parnell - Rawene, NZ
VEFA - Exhibition of Fine Art
Royal Easter Show - ASB Show ground (Awarded a Merit)
Deport Artspace - Devonport, New Zealand
AWARDS:
Craigs Investment Partners Art 3D Award - 2020 Molly Morpeth Canaday Awards
Overall Supreme award - ECC 2019
Tuatara Ceramic Award - ECC 2019
Overall winner of the Eden Arts Award 2019
Touring finalist for The Wallace Art Awards 2019
Highly Commended 2018 - ECC NZ Student Design/ Craft Awards
Finalist for The Wallace Art Awards 2018
Merit Award 2018 - Riley Consultant members competition
Merit Award 2018 - Royal Easter Show
