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Appropriated everyday objects transform stereotypes and famous art historical references become twisted.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.
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
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