SPAM - 150x200cm Artwork

It is an oft-heard saying; 'Leaving the past behind you.' Artist Olav van Lede doubts that this is always necessary. He sees the past as a treasure chamber full of unique and valuable moments, steeped in learning experiences, nostalgia and renewal. In his artworks, Olav vividly connects historical documents and themes, often through telling icons or objects. He highlights diverse subjects ranging from war to strategy, gastronomy and nostalgia. For Olav, the creation of a new artwork starts far outside his studio, where he looks for historical documents at collectors, antique dealers and museums. In this way, Olav brings attention back to both beautiful and humorous and sometimes less rosy facts and moments from the past. Olav van Lede was born on 28 June 1976 in Montreal, Canada. After wandering through Belgium, England and France, he landed in Amsterdam at the beginning of the 21st century, where he moved into an old studio in the Oud Zuid district. Here he lived for many years, developing himself and following his artistic path, inspired by big names such as Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. During this period, his first works were created, which soon found their way into various homes and offices. An artist and designer in one, Olav, brimming with ideas, launched his own interior design line in the following years, featuring small furniture, lighting and accessories. All infused with a touch of humor and designed with the motto 'a smile in the mind', under his own label and management. But in early 2022, things started itching again and Olav decided to return to his original passion. He moved into a studio again and focused entirely on his art. Since 2022, Olav has received several awards with his innovative, recognizable and original style. His work is now represented by several renowned galleries and is in demand by art lovers and collectors worldwide.