Hidden Escapes gets renewed and refreshed for Culture Days
Hosted at the Bean on Hastings Gallery from September 23rd, 2024, to November 1st, 2024, "HIDDEN ESCAPES:ART OF THE INNER CHILD” unveils a universe where unicorns prance alongside puppies, birds soar with monsters, and every canvas breathes with the echoes of childhood dreams. Olivier Salvas shares, “People often inquire about the stories behind my abstract paintings. This show is my dedicated response—a visual narrative of the dreams I see and where my imagination comes from.”
For Olivier, "HIDDEN ESCAPES: Art of the Inner Child" is not merely an art exhibition but a deeply personal odyssey. “As a queer child, I turned to my imagination as solace from bullying,” he explains. “In my mind, I crafted stories and scenarios to escape reality.” This intimate connection with imagination and resilience shines through in his latest collection, where each piece invites viewers to rediscover the power of dreaming.
The exhibition’s promotional imagery, featuring an enigmatic clown, serves as a poignant symbol. “Clowns embody both joy and sorrow,” Olivier reflects. “They wear a mask of happiness, yet beneath it, they battle inner demons. ‘HIDDEN ESCAPES’ explores this dichotomy—of putting on a brave face while navigating the complexities of existence.”
"HIDDEN ESCAPES" is not just a visual feast but a profound exploration of the inner child, particularly in the context of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who often conceal their true identities for prolonged periods. Olivier poignantly addresses the prolonged suppression of one’s authentic self due to societal pressures, which can lead to years of inner turmoil. The exhibition delves into the complex emotions that emerge when suppressed identities finally come to light—bringing both relief and the intense, often unsettling, process of self-acceptance.
Join Olivier Salvas on this extraordinary journey into "HIDDEN ESCAPES," where art becomes a conduit for introspection, celebration, and the boundless realm of imagination. “Deep inside of me, there is this little boy with a vivid imagination. This imagination was an escape. It was well hidden,” Olivier reveals, inviting audiences to engage with the themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of the inner child.
Exhibition Details:
Dates: September 23rd, 2024 - November 1st, 2024
Location: Bean on Hastings Gallery, 175 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
Email: oli@oliviersalvas.com
Website: www.oliviersalvas.com
About Olivier Salvas:
Olivier Salvas is a Canadian artist known for his vibrant and emotionally resonant works. His art often explores themes of identity, imagination, and resilience, drawing from his experiences as a queer individual. With exhibitions that challenge and inspire, Olivier continues to be a leading voice in the contemporary art scene.
