Olivier Mourao

Exhibiting Artist: Olivier Mourao

Brazilian-born UK-based artist Olivier Mourao pursues simplistic maximalist style in his practice. He aims to create intense moments of pure hedonism through a distinctive “closed eye” process. Spontaneity and simplicity play a key role in Mourao’s practice. He begins each artwork by drawing directly on a blank canvas with paint straight from the tube, then as part of his mixing process covers the paint and canvas with paper he has made by hand.

Mourao's life as an artist is an inspiration to many, from his early years as an acclaimed child portrait painter in Brazil, to his style-defining years during which he met Pablo Picasso and Francis Bacon. Later becoming friends with Salvador and Gala Dalí who exerted a great influence on his work.