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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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Something for Nothing
Wednesday 18 April @ 16:11:26 |
 by BETSY MOWRY
Gallery 13 in Northeast Minneapolis presents Something for Nothing by John Olympio, an abstract impressionist and symbolic artist from the small West African country of Togo. A self-taught artist, the word “abstract” hardly captures the intensity of his subtle layers and the instinctive execution of his work. The pieces are rich and textured in both design and medium, reflecting a depth of method and experience rarely seen in an emerging artist.
 Through a combination of dynamic color, symbols and assemblages painted with pure pigments, Olympio transports viewers to another time and place. Each piece is infused with materials such as sand, rag material, rope, paper, trading beads and gesso, which derive their power from the artist’s inner spirit. His application of brushed color displays language in pictographic forms through abstract images and symbols. Sections of pervasive color combined with energetic strokes create narratives within the artwork, drawing the viewer in for closer examination and appreciation.
Minneapolis gallery owners Steve and Karen Sugarman met Olympio a couple of years ago and offered to host his first solo exhibit in the United States. Much of Olympio’s art was hand carried to the U.S. from Lome, Togo, though he has lived in Minnesota now for a few years.
Steve Sugarman speaks passionately about Olympio’s work and describes the artist as an “old soul.” “He really is a medium through which the work is communicated,” says Sugarman. “John chooses not to title his work—he believes it is unnecessary. He creates for art’s sake, and to communicate what his spirit is expressing. Sometimes the language is crisp and clear, other times it's a bit more translucent.”
According to Olympio, “When people think about art, they tend to ‘think’ too much…they try to recognize the familiar in the abstract. When I paint, I do not plan, I do not think, I just do. The canvas speaks to me and tells me what it needs. I follow the voice of the painting and the movement of the medium.” Spirit seems to envelop Olympio in the midst of his painting, guiding his brush in a personal communication with his canvas and his world.
Most of the 32 paintings in this show are distinguished through specific categories, such as the “Spirit” sequence, “Sand Paintings” and “History and Force,” and each group is clearly connected through similar approaches. For example, the “Spirit” pieces clearly identify a nucleus, which is representative of the spirit depicted in his work. Olympio applies pigment to his canvases in great abundance, sometimes causing the canvas edges to curl and stiffen, creating a tough skin or parchment like surface.
Olympio infuses his work with spirit and energy that resonates with viewers. “My aesthetic has organic roots, and through my work I am able to convey my appreciation for nature as being the greatest artist of all,” he explains. “My pieces evolve through much deconstruction in order to be reconstructed with an attentive sense of balance through which the pieces comes to life, changing shape and meaning until the message is compete. This method is consistent with my philosophy that denies the existence of destiny. My work is not predetermined; the future simply appears.” ||
Something from Nothing runs through Apr. 29. Gallery 13 is located at 302 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 651-592-5503 or gallery13.com. Gallery hours are Wed. noon–4 p.m.; Thu. & Sun. 1–6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 1–8 p.m.
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