State of Zen (2020)

‘State of Zen’ (2020) is informed by the artists’ exploration of and experience of the vast expanses of space found in the natural landscape. It is out in the water and up in the mountains where Olivia delights in the seemly endless sense of space, best described as a ‘transcendental’ experience. The composition and colours of the vertical works are inspired by the horizon lines and the incredible changes across the sea and sky throughout morning, noon and dusk. The circular works are painted from an aerial perspective – as though we are enjoying a bird’s eye view of the mountains and the sea from soaring heights. As referenced in the titles and like many abstract painters before her, Olivia explores the metaphysical properties of colour in these works.

The German Fluxus artist Joseph Beuys once said “Humans must learn to transcend their reality. They have to create a spiritual vehicle with which they can reach a completely different standpoint in the universe.” This series of paintings, created during the global coronavirus pandemic, functions as just that – a spiritual vehicle through which to find inner solace. Amidst a world of uncertainty and chaos, State of Zen prevails.