Steve Olson and Mathew Curran had a unique opportunity to work together on a spectacular showing of their artwork, deep in the heart of Venice, California, long known for being home to some of the most creative artists on the planet. Tad Pilati graciously offered up the space for this two-night only exhibition of Olson and Curran’s masterpieces and there was a long list of Hollywood heavies and surf/skate/art VIPs in attendance.
The “New Art” show consisted of four collaboration pieces created by Olson and Curran with a street art mural vibe featured prominently on Pacific Avenue for all to see and appreciate. The walls inside the pop-up gallery were split evenly between Olson and Curran and displayed each of the artists’ most current work.
Olson’s art featured a variety of materials including surfboards, pleather, staples, adhesive, paint, snake-skin patterns, vinyl, wood, multiple layers and a vast array of fabulous textures. The “Black Flag” and “White Flag” and pleather wrapped surfboards were just a few of the highlights of his work. “Skateboards to Hell” and “Anytime Anywhere” as well as the “Parliament Flag” sold before the show even opened to the public.
Curran’s art had a bold graffiti-influenced street art vibe with sharp fast lines, expertly cut stencils, transparency, shadows and negative spaces featuring a dark subject matter filled with ravens, sea serpents and samurai’s. The buzz was hot for this up-and-coming transplanted Brit as the critics fawned over his creations and his show sold out in only two days.
The theme of the show relayed a message of corporate giants at war with the worker bees and individual forces at play in a power struggle for humanity. Olson’s flag collection spoke to the tragedy of the most recent oil spill in Santa Barbara with pieces like “In Oil We Trust” and “Clean It Up, Buddy”.
Olson art and Curran art is available by commission. Contact Steve Olson at steveolson3000@gmail.com. Contact Mathew Curran at able@mathewcurran.com. Check out this video as well as a few photos from opening night.
– Review by Terri Craft
Edited by Brian Boog.
Filmed by Dan Levy, Vans Davey, Terri Craft
Opening Night
Photos by Dan Levy, Vans Davey, Terri Craft
Danny Minnick, Jim Muir and their lovely ladies. Photo by Dan LevyC.R. Stecyk III, Susanne Melanie Berry and Jeff Ho. Photo by Vans DaveyDanny Duchovny and Steve Olson. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran, Betty Gold and friends. Photo by Dan LevyMary Nelson and Danny Duchovny. Photo by Dan LevyJim Muir and Pat Ngoho. Photo by Dan LevyJeff Ho and Terri Craft. Photo by Dan LevyMike the Badger, Johnny Fish, Jim Muir, Jeff Ho and Steve Olson. Photo by Dan LevyJohn Umbanhowar. Photo by Dan LevyJillian Sorkin and Steve Olson. Photo by Dan Levy
Jeff Ho and Mary Nelson. Photo by Dan LevyMary Nelson, Terri Craft and Ella Saari. Photo by Dan LevyMary Nelson and Mary Jean Ribas. Photo by Dan LevyJeremy Parker and Sky. Photo by Dan LevySteve Olson and Mathew Curran. Photo by Dan Levy
Steve Olson Art
Pleather wrapped surboards by Steve Olson. Photo by Terri CraftSteve Olson art. Photo by Dan LevyWhite leather surfboard. Photo by Terri CraftSteve Olson art. Black Leather Surfboard. Photo by Dan LevyPleather wrapped surfboards in progress by Steve Olson. Photo by Terri CraftWhite leather surfboard by Steve Olson. Photo by Dan Levy“Anytime Anywhere” Steve Olson art. Photo by Dan Levy“Four Wheels of Fury” Steve Olson art. Photo by Dan Levy“If Only She Understood” Steve Olson art. Photo by Dan Levy“Skate or Split” Steve Olson art. Photo by Dan Levy“Skateboards to Hell” Steve Olson art. Photo by Dan Levy“Slash Slam Bang” Steve Olson art. Photo by Dan Levy“Jailhouse Rock” Steve Olson art. Photo by Dan LevySteve Olson art. Photo by Dan Levy
Mathew Curran Art
Mathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan LevyMathew Curran art. Photo by Dan Levy
Steve Olson and Mathew Curran collaboration art installation
Steve Olson and Mathew Curran collaboration artwork. Photo by Dan LevySteve Olson and Mathew Curran collaboration artwork. Photo by Vanessa DaveySteve Olson and Mathew Curran collaboration artwork. Photo by Vanessa DaveySteve Olson and Mathew Curran collaboration artwork. Photo by Vanessa DaveySteve Olson and Mathew Curran collaboration artwork. Photo by Vanessa DaveySteve Olson and Mathew Curran collaboration artwork. Photo by Dan Levy
