You will never step in the same river twice by Esther Olsson is an exploration of personal experience, human nature, and the ways in which we modify modern-day life. 

“Esther’s paintings are vibrant narratives that generate a graphic grid system, playing off her imaginative worlds. Olsson work’s predominantly with gouache on paper using a flat application. Her stylistic method incorporates a complimentary integration of the grid system and reference to coded stories that use image repetition to communicate her lived experiences and day to day life. The recurring figures Olsson paints represent protection, empowerment, ambition, envy and emotions. Her intention is to generate joyous and light-hearted imagery that reflects her philosophy to approach life with a sense of humour and joviality.”

You might of heard about Esther from her public copyright battle with Hillsong Church a few years back. Their art director, Nathan Cahyadi emailed her in September of 2017 asking to work together on the artwork for the church’s new album. Cahyadi makes references to using Esther’s visual style in their merchandise, but after meeting up with Cahyadi and his colleague where they showed her the artwork they were going to use she did not give her consent. Of course the artwork was then used on the Hillsong album’s CD cover, concert backdrops, and t-shirts as well as all over social media. Then the battle began.

Esther Olsson’s first solo exhibition will bring a new series of mixed-media paintings set within a living installation, entirely immersing viewers. By using a combination of gouache and flat paper application, her stories seem illustrative in nature – ludic scenes composed in a playful, abstract and comic fashion.

You can stay up to date with the Facebook event HERE

Opening night Friday 31st January
6 – 9pm

Exhibition runs from Jan 31st – Feb 16th

Backwoods Gallery
25 Easey St,
Collingwood VIC 3066

https://www.backwoods.gallery/