‘We think we know, but we have no clue really,’ explains American artist Olivia Steele of the illuminating message behind Faux Real, her latest series of neon works. The Nashville born artist is a big-thinker, and is convinced that the future of humanity is moving into the imagination; as the veil slowly slips on the world that’s been imagined for us.
Olivia Steele, I Dream of You in Colors that Don’t Exist, 2015. neon, stainless steel, plexiglass, glass. 120 x 155 x 10 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Circle Culture Gallery
A key part of our collective evolution, says Steele, is ‘replacing fear of the unknown with curiosity, and nurturing your imagination in a journey to identify one’s purpose’ — importantly, discovering what is Faux, and what is Real. The artist’s introspective musings on our spiritual self will be familiar to anyone who has invested even just a little time in attempting to uncover the narrative we, the 99%, are perpetually fed by the privileged few: ‘adaptation is key as we all confront inconvenient truths and uncover shocking realities of our status quo and the uncertainty of our existence.’
Currently showing at Berlin’s Circle Culture Gallery, the works in Faux Real include truisms, illusions, and illuminated metaphors that reflect the self-realisations of an artist unravelling the delusions of a conventional American upbringing. ‘Art is metaphor, and so is this exhibition,’ she continues, ‘I invite you to reflect in the illusions, question my words, test your faith, observe your reactions, and most importantly make light of this crazy ride we’re on this time around. May my manifestations empower you and amplify your process as we enter into an age of light.’ Enlightening.
Olivia Steele, Faux Real, continues at Circle Culture Gallery, Berlin, until 3 September.
Olivia Steele, Your Spirit Gets Me High, 2016
Photograph on alu dibond, wooden frame. 90 x 134 cm
Courtesy of the artist and Circle Culture Gallery. Photo, Markus Georg
Olivia Steele, Faux Flowers, 2016. hand blown and coloured neon tubes, silk flowers, glass vase. 90 x 70 x 60 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Circle Culture Gallery. Photo, Markus Georg
Olivia Steele, Fountain Of Truth, 2016, hand blown and coloured neon tubes, faucet, mirror, bucket. 153 x 30 x 30 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Circle Culture Gallery. Photo, Markus Georg
Olivia Steele, Faux Real, 2016
hand blown and coloured neon tubes, metal, plexiglass, LED. 75 x 150 x 17 cm
Courtesy of the artist and Circle Culture Gallery. Photo, Markus Georg
Olivia Steele, I Fell For You, 2016. hand blown and coloured neon tubes, aspen trunk, metal stand. 64 x 306 x 73 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Circle Culture Gallery. Photo, Markus Georg
Olivia Steele, Fall In Love With Your Eyes Closed, 2016. hand blown and coloured neon tubes, LED, acrylic painting, mirror frame. 100 x 120 x 19 cm. Courtesy of Circle Culture Gallery. Photo, Markus Georg
