Hibiscus Print

DAVID OLIVIER, born 1984, grew up exploring the mountains around Cape Town, where he developed his love for wilderness. Graduating from Stellenbosch University with a PhD in sociology, he joined the University of the Witwatersrand in 2015 as a researcher, exploring the tensions between nature and society. Although matriculating with a distinction in fine art, and taking private fine art classes, David has kept his work private. Drawn to landscapes, David's early work was impressionist, in oils. But in action painting, inspired by Jackson Pollock, David discovered a technique that echoes the vivacity of the wilds. After experimenting with various mediums, he found premium quality acrylic polyurethane to possess the perfect viscosity, drying time, opacity, tone, sheen and durability to suit this technique. Having spent time living in France, England, Muizenberg and a game reserve in Mpumalanga, David now lives with his wife and child in Somerset West, where much of the day is spent rediscovering his childhood haunts with his toddler.