“a busy bee brotherly love”
:Artist Statement:
At a very simple and personal level the installation I’ve made is about my life. Surrounding the TV are “puppets” of my best friends in our usual work attire, blasting waves of energy towards the center. Beneath the TV is a map of places that I’ve worked in and have developed an emotional connection to for the past couple of years. The “wigglyness” in this map is to evoke the feeling of riding a bike through this complex and sinking yet beautiful city of ours.
The entirety of the backdrop which I have made focuses on my multifaceted relationships throughout my personal community; the places I find solace and where bonds are formed.
We all experience the same range of emotions, just to varying degrees.
I feel pain, trying to find affordable housing in Miami, and when you do, nothing works. And the fear of displacement or a spike in rent is greater than your gumption to ask your landlord to live up to their side of the lease agreement. Instead, I turn to the internet and figure out how to fix things myself–aware that not everyone has that accessibility or time.
I feel exhaustion in our work culture, ‘grinding’ every bit of ourselves. We all need money–slumlords, our city, and us. We are all part of the same community, the same machine functioning as one–yet these relationships shy away from accountability more often than not.
I feel frustrated with ignorant politicians like Ron De Santis taking away people’s rights due to fear of their ego being shattered and divergency with people being an okay thing. Which it is. We should not be going backwards with human rights or access to knowledge. That sentence shouldn’t ever have to be said.
feel disgusted with Joe Cirosa, among many others, passing laws that act against house-less people.’ Disgusted with Miami for trying to push the house-less to Virginia Key beach which just puts them out of view and without reasonable access to basic human needs.
Every person matters. Being out in your community, in the most common of spaces–public transportation–is where I find inspiration and I want to continue exploring that. My work highlights the seemingly small moments of genuine human interaction that actually speak mountains, as to how small acts of care and consideration between strangers and even family and friends speaks volumes
:Bio:
Oleson is a South Floridian teaching artist with Norwegian and Mid-Western roots. Oleson’s work is centered around community, movement, paint and education of the Arts. Oleson received a BFA degree from New World School of the Arts as a Painting major and Art History minor. Oleson’s work is in the collection of multiple working artists in Miami and has exhibited in various galleries, museums and art spaces such as Coral Gables Museum(2023) Mindy Solomon Gallery(2019), Bridge Red Studios and Edge Zone (2022-2023). Oleson held a studio residency at Bakehouse Art Complex for 3 years and is now currently a studio resident at Fountainhead. Oleson’s recent paintings explore an interest that lies in connection, comfort and public transportation.
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instagram: @patpatpaints
In a recent interview, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Haiiileen, the founder and director of the Chroma Art Film Festival, and Patrick, an installation artist known for his unique approach to visual expressions. Here’s a glimpse into our conversation about the festival, artistry, and life as an artist.
Haiiileen: A warm welcome to all our readers. Today, I’m chatting with Patrick, an instrumental figure in our inaugural Chroma Art Film Festival. Patrick, could you share a bit about yourself and your role in the festival?
Patrick: Hello! I’m an artist and educator associated with the Bass Art Museum. I’ve recently joined ICA’s education program too. My journey into education has been about introducing unconventional, creative projects, especially for students with a science background. It’s all about helping them communicate what they’re learning in new ways.
Haiiileen: Absolutely, art is about offering a multi-dimensional approach to creative processes and problem-solving. Your work has a whimsical, almost childlike aura. Yet, it also has an element of rebellion. It reminds me of someone who doesn’t want to grow up.
Patrick: Well, there’s a reason for that. The recurring motif of “middle fingers” in my installations symbolizes the challenges of freelancing in Miami and the struggles of adulting as an artist, especially with politicians enacting less-than-helpful laws. I wanted to convey the sentiment of resisting societal expectations.
Haiiileen: That resonates with me. Rainbow Oasis, the platform that kickstarted the Chroma Art Film Festival, emerged out of my challenges. As artists, we face many struggles. Yet, it’s essential for us to keep pushing boundaries and finding our voice. I believe that we have created a unique platform that not only showcases art but also delves deep into the societal issues we face.
Patrick: The festival felt very community-driven. I’ve never felt such a sense of belonging in any art event before. Connecting with fellow artists, including you and Casey, has been incredibly enriching.
Haiiileen: I’m truly grateful for artists like you who bring depth and dimension to our festival. Despite the challenges, we continue to create opportunities, ensuring that artists have a platform to express and engage.
To all our readers: Art is not just about the final product; it’s about the journey, the struggles, and the tales behind each piece. Let’s continue to support each other, building stronger communities around the passion for art.