BFA
THESIS EXHIBITION
chloë rain oliver
My process is guided by intuition and the various creative skills I have built up over time, rather than following a meticulous plan for my compositions. Drawing is the method that feels most like home to me, and it plays an important role in how I develop each piece. Bringing in oil paint was a reasonable next step, and materials can comfortably get more elaborate from there. Rather than using a single surface, I combined several sheets of paper to build one large page. This gives me more freedom and flexibility to add or change the composition in whatever way feels right. The materials used and how they are combined is an unplanned process but done with consideration at every point.
Lately, my work has been shaped by my conversion to the Roman Catholic Church. The rich motifs, vivid imagery, mystical Biblical descriptions, ornamentation of the Church offers me a deep well of inspiration for me to explore. I found myself inspired by holy objects, especially those given to me by friends at my parish, and the descriptions of angels from the Old Testament. While these subjects are depicted in line with my contemporary discipline, I aim to approach them with reverence and respect for their long-standing presence throughout art history as well as their sacred value.
Rather than respond with personal grievances with the contemporary art world, I am interested in reintroducing beauty as something sincere and sacred. I look to early Christian art to learn from its rich visual traditions and ideals. My goal is not to recreate what has been done, but to build from it and invite viewers into a moment of awe and contemplation.
Chloe Oliver (b. 2003) is a visual artist currently based in Fairfield Iowa. Receiving her BFA from MIU (Maharishi International University), her current work consists of large two-dimensional compositions as well as wearable sculptures. She has modeled in several art shows during her time in Iowa and has also worked for the MIU Art Department in various work-study roles. She also spent a year as the Vice President for the MIU Ceramics Club and spent that time being the primary instructor for teaching basic ceramics to fellow college students. She considers herself a mixed media artist, using wire, papier mâché, paint, pastels, fabric, beads, and glitter.
Chloe has had a lifelong desire to express her creativity and work with her hands, with interests in drawing, ceramics, sewing, and other crafts from a young age. Recently, Chloe converted to the Roman Catholic Church, and her newfound faith has lit a new fire in her work. Some feelings that can be parsed from her work are hope, awe, and fear, coming together in a sublime and genuine reverence. Chloe’s intention is to communicate sincere beauty and emotion that is often lacking in much of the abstract, minimalistic, and conceptual work of today.
