Artist

Oliver Cain of Cain Studios

Oliver Cain is an English born/New Zealand Artist. His work covers a broad range of topics as it changes and develops, using a wide range of materials. His artworks - subverted linguistic paintings, ceramic sculptures and installations - bear a certain physicality and push the boundaries between conceptualism and post-pop art. The creative process behind Cain’s artworks is the most important thing and therefore his artworks can be made of anything and take any form.

Appropriated everyday objects transform stereotypes and famous art historical references become twisted. As a proud member of the queer community, Cain uses his work to examine, question and criticise the relationships between gender, (homo)sexuality and societies’ misconceptions about those themes. But, despite what it might look like to the contemporary spectator, a purely erotic and queer reading of the work would be misguided. There is a universal profundity at play revealing itself slowly for those willing to look and feel.

Artist Details

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

Highlights

Solo Exhibitions

2022

They Were Roommates, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 

Let’s try Again, NorthArt, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 

2021

Nipple Twist, The Nomadic Art Gallery, Leuven, Belgium

Body Filled Body Candy, Studio 1, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 

It’s a boy, Föenander Galleries ft.Billy Apple, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 

In Plain Sight, Astor Bristed Gallery, Haehaenui Arrowtown

Group Exhibitions

2022

Nelson Sculpture Awards, Pōneke Wellington 

NZPPA 8th Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 

Kumeu Art Awards, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 

Molly Morpeth Canaday Awards 2022, Whakatāne

National Youth Art Awards, Kirikiriroa Hamilton

Rail Link sponsored art installation, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 

Oddly Projects Opening Show, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 

The Aspiring Art Show, Wanaka

Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens Exhibition, Kaipara

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Inside the Studio

Playful Lines, Layered Meaning

Watch Video
Oliver Cain talks to Artfull about his painting and ceramic making practice. Sharing what it's like to be a multidisciplinary artist. Gold, symbols and bananas collide to have fun with serious subjects. Painting. Oil painting. Monochromatic. LGBTQ.