Olivier Salvas is a distinguished artist, educator, media personality, and curator whose practice intersects arts education and social justice. Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Olivier relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia, shortly after earning his bachelor's degree in teaching French as a second language from the University of Montreal and McGill University. While pursuing graduate studies in media studies and curriculum at the University of British Columbia, Olivier seamlessly combined his dual passions for art and education, pioneering research-based artistic and pedagogical works.
Olivier’s artistic oeuvre spans abstract painting, photography, and mixed media, thoughtfully addressing social causes and igniting dialogue around identity and art education. His creative process, deeply influenced by urban culture, graffiti, and street art, begins with selecting a subject that deeply resonates. Olivier then crafts a narrative featuring a central character, questioning their responses and perspectives. This conceptual exploration culminates in collaboration with a photographer to develop a visual narrative, which directs his artistic approach and messaging.
Recognized for his commitment to the arts, Olivier was selected as an ambassador for Canadian Culture Days in 2019, representing British Columbia. The same year, he debuted his first solo exhibition, Rebel with a Cause, which ran for three months at Le Centre Culturel in Vancouver. In 2021, Olivier unveiled Flamboyant, a vibrant series of abstract paintings celebrating self-acceptance and positivity. The collection’s standout piece, Sometimes I Paint Just for Fun, garnered first prize at the Federation of Canadian Artists' "Pride in Arts" exhibition.
Olivier's collaborations reflect his dedication to education and environmental activism. He has worked with the Vancouver Biennale as an educator for the Big Ideas in Schools project since 2015. In 2020, he joined WE ARE OCEAN Vancouver, a global initiative commissioned by the Vancouver Biennale and organized by ARTPORT_making waves, contributing alongside Indigenous artist Cease Wyss. This endeavor supports the UNESCO Ocean Decade for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
Olivier's foray into art and fashion began in collaboration with Charlie’s Charmed ARTFASHION, which premiered at the Winnipeg Fine Arts Gallery in March 2022. This ongoing project has since been showcased across Canada, with the ARTFASHION SHOP now established at Vancouver’s Artisan Avenue, a nominee for the Canadian Choice Award 2025.
A voice for social justice, Olivier has contributed as a columnist on Radio-Canada (CBC Radio) and as a journalist on OutlookTV and OutTV, covering 2SLGBTQ+ artists and causes. His expertise extends to hosting art panels nationwide for organizations like the Federation of Canadian Artists and Partial Gallery. Since 2022, Olivier has curated the British Columbia Housing Central Conference, orchestrating exhibitions that feature over 25 Canadian artists. He also serves as a workshop facilitator for the Outsiders Arts Festival, presented by Community Arts Vancouver, supporting and uplifting emerging artists.
His recent exhibitions, Disco Nap and Hidden Escapes: Art of the Inner Child, delve into the themes of safe spaces and trauma. Disco Nap emphasizes the significance of secure environments in schools, while Hidden Escapes explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma on adulthood.
Olivier Salvas continues to inspire through his multidisciplinary approach, creating art that advocates for societal change and fosters meaningful engagement.
EXHIBITIONS
2024
July 2024-November 2024 Hidden Escapes: Art of the Inner Child - Vancouver, BC
2023
October 2023 - January 2024 - DISCO NAP - Solo Show - Vancouver, BC
2021
October 2021 - Outsiders Arts Festival - Vancouver, BC
June 2021 - Queer Arts Festival Vancouver,BC
June 2021 - Pride & Arts, Federation Gallery, Vancouver
June 2021-September 2021 Montreal Pride Society - Outdoor Exhibition
June - September 2021 - Workshop facilitator- Community Arts Vancouver
January. - September 2021 - We Are Ocean with Cease Wyss - Vancouver Biennale / Artport_making Waves
2020
July - December 2020 - We Are Ocean with Cease Wyss - Vancouver Biennale / Artport_making Waves
October 2020 - Outsiders Arts Festival - Vancouver, BC - Virtual
June 2020 - Queer Arts Festival Vancouver, BC - Virtual
April 2020 - There’s An Elephant in the Room show - Virtual
2019
November 2019 - UNITY collection launch + candle collaboration with You+Me Candles
September - November 2019 Rebel with a Cause - Solo Show - Le Centre Culturel Vancouver, BC
September 2019 - Rebel with a cause workshops
June - September 2019- BC Culture ambassador
March 2019 - Group Exhibition Galerie Patrick Mikhail, Montreal
July - September 2023 - The Flamboyance Salon - Solo Show - Vancouver, BC
November 2023 - Welcome to my House - BCNPHA Exhibition - Vancouver, BC
October 2023 - Solo Show - ART Vancouver - Art at Bentall Vancouver, BC
November - December 2023: Anonymous Art Show, North Vancouver Arts
December 2023: Ten Squared 2023 - Federation Gallery, Vancouver
November 2023: ArtSpeaks - Federation Gallery, Vancouver
September 2023: Abstracted 2023. - Federation Gallery, Vancouver
February 2023: Shape & Form – Federation Gallery, Vancouver
January - March 2023 - The Enchanted Garden 2.0 - Solo Show - Vancouver, BC
January 2023- August 2023 - Permanent artist at Galerie Lenoir Montreal-Paris
2022
December 2022 - Ten Squared Show, Federation Gallery, Vancouver
November 2022 - Together - BCNPHA Exhibition - Vancouver, BC
October 2022 - Outsiders Arts Festival - Vancouver, BC
October 2022 - Call Me Mother TV Show - Outtv - Designer for Justin Abit (Artfashion)
July 2022 - Pride & Arts, Federation Gallery, Vancouver
July 2022 - FLAMBOYANT. - One Month solo Residency at Federation Gallery
July 2022 - December 2022 - The Enchanted Garden - Solo Show - Vancouver, BC
June 2022 - September 2022 Montreal Pride Festival Outdoor Exhibition , Montreal
June - September 2022 - Workshop facilitator- Community Arts Vancouver, BC
May 2022 - Spotlight, Federation Gallery, Vancouver
April 2022 - Opening - Artfashion Boutique
April 2022 - We Are Ocean at Venice Biennale
March 2022 - Bloom, Winnipeg Art Gallery
March 2022 - April 2022 - CORE - Show with Meg J - Vancouver, BC
February 2022 - Small Exhibition, Federation Gallery, Vancouver
January 2022 Winter Solstice, The Gallery George, Vancouver
January 2022 - Polarity - Show with Min Xu - Vancouver BC
January 2022- December 2022: Permanent Show - The Hallway, Victoria BC
January 2022- June 2022 - Show Me Your Colours - Lost Lagoon Gallery
January 2022- December 2022 - Permanent artist at Galerie Lenoir Montreal-Paris
PRESS MEMBERSHIPS
Active Member - Federation of Canadian Artists
Member of Arts BC
Member of CARFAC.