Olivia Mansfield
Born in 1988. Studied at Central Saint Martens, University of the Arts London, Byam Shaw. Then took a BA(Hons) in Fine Art Practice from Goldsmiths, University Of London.
The intuitive nature of Olivia's process allows her to engage deeply with the forms which manifest in her work. Bodies, beasts, altars and symbols all exist within lucious habitats, sacred spaces; forests, ferns, lakes, rivers and waterfalls, explosions of flora and fauna, saplings and seedlings quietly wait to abruptly emerge from within the distinct and delicate manipulation of the paint.
Her work has roots in classical and historical painting, iconography, theology, culture, religion, ritual and symbolism. Themes of myth, legend and folklore intertwine vividly with the celestial, botanical, almost sci-fi like imagery with which she plays.
Reference to melting, oozing land masses and bizarre formations in earth and stone lure the viewer to recognising or to believe that life, creation, humanity, death, destruction, chaos have all occurred in these settings.
More recently Olivia’s practice has begun to shift into exploring a more figurative and bodily image. These beings move, morph, cradle and caress within the abstract structures of her gestural and emotive landscapes. Questioning the human condition, our relationships, our strengths, weaknesses and our palpable vulnerability within our ever-changing environment.
