About me.

Hi, I'm Jen Olson. I'm called self-taught because I didn't go to art school, but I grew up drawing thanks to my artist mother. And I signed up for community painting and drawing classes whenever I could. I have been exhibiting since 2013. 

I'm influenced by artists like Georgia O'Keefe, Frida Kahlo, Mark Ryden, Bill Hammond, and Egon Schiele. I like it when there is some tension in a painting. It could be a contrast in textures and colours, an intense gaze, awkward expressions, or exaggerated forms and perspectives. 
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I've been involved in solo and group exhibitions, a mural, and another mural, children's illustrations, a gelato van, wine labels, a natural history book, and organising and curating community fundraising exhibitions. I like organising and installing shows just as much as participating in them, and don't leave the house without a tape measure - just in case.

When I'm not working, you'll find me bike-packing on the trails and backroads of New Zealand.

Follow my Instagram to keep up to date on my latest work.

​My pieces live in private collections in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Canada, and the USA. ​

Experience.

EDUCATION – SELF TAUGHT
2000                 Acrylic painting and life drawing short courses, Vista Community College, California
1997                 Watercolour short courses, ANU community art, Australia
1993                 Bachelor of Science in geology (geography and English minors), University of Idaho, USA
 
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2025                 Between Sittings. Central Stories Museum & Gallery, Alexandra
2024                 Hidden Agendas, Hullabaloo Art Space, Cromwell
2023                 Our Bodies Are Our Gardens, Hullabaloo Art Space, Cromwell
2020                 Ministers of Fate, The Miracle Room, Featherston
 
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024                 Hullabaloo artists, Lakes District Museum & Gallery, Arrowtown
2021                 Resurrection retrospective, The Miracle Room, Featherston
2019                 We Three, ConArt, Masterton
2018                 The Upside Down, Ventana Creative Collective, Martinborough
2016-2021        Fundraiser, Featherston Community Centre (annual)
2014-2018        Fundraiser,  Pūkaha Mount Bruce, Masterton (annual)
2014-2016        200x200, Kina Gallery, New Plymouth (annual)
2013-2017        Village Cafe and Art Space, Martinborough (permanent) 
 
MURALS
2022                 Goodly Creatures, Alexia Urban Winery, Greytown
2021                 Weirdo Wings, Karahui Wine Bar & Restaurant, Martinborough
 
GALLERIES THAT HAVE CARRIED MY WORK
Hullabaloo Art Space, Cromwell
Schmid Gallery, Martinborough
Ventana Creative Collective, Martinborough
Kina Gallery, New Plymouth
Village Café and Art Space, Martinborough
 
REVIEWS
ODT Art Seen, “Our Bodies Are Our Gardens” 28 September 2023
ODT Art Seen, “Flaming Winter” 6 June 2024
 
COLLECTIONS
Alexia Urban Winery, Greytown, private mural
Karahui Wine Bar & Restaurant, Martinborough, public mural
My work is also held in private collections in New Zealand, Australia, UK, USA, and Canada

Photos by Carly Webber