O L I V I A    H A R W O O D

 Olivia Harwood’s first solo exhibition, Possessions, Possessions, depicts dark feminine collections of personal items, maximalism and self portraits. This specific body of work confronts the viewer with direct stares from Harwood herself, creating unsettling eye contact with the audience. She wants the viewer to be pulled from the intensity, while the miniature details, abundant collections and subtle patterns consume them to stay. 

Harwood’s dream-like scenarios have been inspired by memories of childhood, of past relationships and of dreams themselves. The realistic objects that are placed in a surreal space, allows the viewer to recognize and bond with her collection, but wonder where these items are living. Are these clowns, cats, spiders, cows, insects, weapons and bodies just floating in a space that doesn't exist? 

Sexuality and intimacy are underlying tones and themes that peek their way through patterns, objects and figures. Harwood empowers herself by painting her body in exposed positions. She moves through traumatic self memories by confronting uncomfortable histories, challenging developed rituals, and reflecting on emotional shames and adolescent dilemmas. 

Harwood’s surreal maximalist pieces fill the space with infinite spots of focus. The cool color palette and repeated motifs allows these paintings to be cohesive and bonded together to individually empower Harwood, but collectively work together to protect and showcase. Patterns are deeply embedded within these paintings, often taking inspiration from fabrics, game boards, clown outfits, wallpapers and album covers.

The collection of objects and trinkets gives audience members an accessible look at the personality from afar. Majority of the objects inside these paintings are still lifes from Harwood’s personal possessions. By decorating a living space, you are filling it to change the energy and atmosphere to something consumed by an individual. Possessions, Possessions welcomes the viewer into a space that is visually hypnotic, perplexing, and secretly comforting.