Breathtaking and affordable, Joshua Olivera’s “”Sweetwater Series”” graces the walls of the Gallery at 6th and 6th.
The Gallery will host an opening featuring Olivera’s work Saturday from 6-9 p.m. Olivera will be at the gallery for a Q-and-A session the following day at 2 p.m.
Cori DiSimone, a former Gallery assistant and UA art history graduate, likes to compare Olivera’s work to that of Richard Diebenkorn, who is known for his illustrations inspired by aerial views of geography.
Olivera’s work employs his ability to capture the vivid colors found in nature, she said.
“”Whereas art sometimes lacks significant meaning and sincerity, Olivera offers an intensely thought-provoking view of the Earth,”” DiSimone said.
Born and raised in the farmlands of Northern California, Olivera,31, develops mixed-media pieces reminiscent of rich, deep landscapes, with seemingly endless layers of soil, water, mountains and rolling hills.
“”The landscape and the way people use it has strongly affected him since he was a small boy growing up among his family’s rice fields in California,”” DiSimone said.
Painted on found wood panels, Olivera’s work results from experimentation with steal inlays, stain, shellac, Mylar and acrylic.
“”You can see the whole process,”” said Elee Oak, a Gallery representative. “”I really admire his ability to open himself up to whatever happens, and then, if it doesn’t work, scrap it and start over.””
Olivera layers mesmerizing turquoise and red paint over pencil marks and sketchy shapes, achieving a remarkably finished, but dynamic look, DiSimone said.
“”He combines disharmonious materials to create harmony,”” she said.
Lauren Rabb, owner of 6th and 6th, is delighted to showcase Olivera’s pieces, as he fits into the gallery’s intent to feature beautiful pieces by lesser-known modernists.
“”(His work) has a beautiful quality to it,”” Rabb said. “”It’s all coated in resin. It shines.””
The steel frames Olivera uses with his works represent an industrial look, while the art inside is classy and modern, Rabb said.
“”Most young artists are plagued by self-doubt, about their talent, and insecurity about the direction in which they are going,”” Rabb said of Olivera, 31. “”If Josh feels any of that, it’s not evident in his work.””
