The work of Olivia Bax is often characterised by familiar elements such as a hook, handle or vessel presented in unconventional, coloured forms. However, it is the texture of the surface which offers the viewer the most immediate insight. Bax generates her own paper pulp to cover and form a mantle over linear armatures. Moulding each sculpture in this way creates the distinctive texture of the work. Rooted in drawing, the work carries instinctive gestures from start to finish to suggest an action or feeling.
Olivia Bax (b. 1988, Singapore) lives and works in London. She studied BA Fine Art at Byam Shaw School of Art, London (2007-2010) and MFA Sculpture at Slade School of Fine Art, London (2014-2016). Recent solo exhibitions include: Home Range, Holtermann, London (2022); Spill, L21, Mallorca (2022); Off Grid, Mark Tanner Sculpture Award Exhibition, Standpoint Gallery London (2020) toured to Cross Lane Projects, Kendal (2020/21) and Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens (2021); pah-d’bah, HS Projects, London (2021) and Chute, Ribot Gallery, Milan (2019/20). Prizes include: The Mark Tanner Sculpture Award (2019/20); Kenneth Armitage Young Sculptor Prize (2016), Additional Award, Exeter Contemporary Open, Exeter Phoenix (2017) and Public Choice Winner, UK/Raine, Saatchi Gallery, London (2015). Bax’s work was acquired by the 2020-21 UK Arts Council Collection.
Text courtesy Bo Lee & Workman

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