Simon Olsen

Artist Statement

My mission is to create art with wonder and empathy — elements that each change in prominence but remain central to my practice. My work creates a space where intuition, emotion, and curiosity can coexist without needing to be resolved.  Each painting begins as an exploration and evolves into a conversation between my mission, my materials, and whatever emerges on the canvas.

Through bold colour, high contrast, and tactile mark-making — utilising layered impasto, gesture, and occasional drip painting — I explore philosophical, spiritual and psychological concepts, including the tension between the beautiful and the painful, the miraculous and the mundane. I seek to translate this tension, and how it hinges on internal shifts in perspective or acts of acceptance, into a tangible visual language influenced by the visceral emotion of Vincent van Gogh and the contemporary mastery of Jack Trolove.

Artist bio

Simon Olsen is a contemporary painter based in Pōneke | Wellington, where he maintains a dedicated studio practice, is a student at Inverlochy Art School and is under the mentorship of Christine Gregory and Mervin Singham.  Simon’s work is shaped by Scandinavian and Irish heritage and a lifelong fascination with our human experience. His work is characterised by its expressive use of colour, texture and emotional depth, that can create a powerful stillness.

Following a highly successful debut solo exhibition in July 2025 — which was featured in a Regional News and resulted in a near-complete sell-out of the collection — Simon has continued to build momentum within the arts community. Most recently, his work was recognised in the 2025 Inverlochy Art School Annual Exhibition, where he placed 2nd in the People’s Choice Award from a field of over 100 entries.  His current practice is focused on the Renewing series, further exploring the intersection of abstract portraiture and the human experience.

Exhibitions Gallery are pleased to announce that Simon Olsen’s The Renewing Series’ will be  exhibited in the gallery with dates to be announced.