“Kia ora, and welcome to my website where I hope you can connect with me, my art and mission: to create art with wonder and empathy — sometimes with one more than the other.

Art has always been a space where I make sense of the world; where intuition, emotion, and curiosity can coexist without needing to be resolved.  I explore philosophical, spiritual and psychological concepts through bold colour, high contrast, and tactile mark-making — utilising layered impasto, gesture, and occasional drip painting. Each painting begins as an exploration and evolves into a conversation between my mission, context, materials, and whatever emerges on the canvas.

I am particularly drawn to the tension between the beautiful and the painful, the miraculous and the mundane, and how this hinges on internal shifts in perspective or acts of acceptance. I translate this tension into a tangible visual language, influenced by the visceral emotion of Vincent van Gogh and the more contemporary mastery of Jack Trolove.”

Artist bio

Simon Olsen is a contemporary painter based in Pōneke | Wellington, where he maintains a dedicated studio practice, is a student at Inverlochy Art School and is under the mentorship of a few experienced and successful painters. Simon’s work is shaped by Scandinavian and Irish heritage and a lifelong fascination with our human experience. His work is characterised by its expressive use of colour, texture and emotional depth, that can create a powerful stillness.

Following a successful debut solo exhibition in July 2025 — which was featured in a Regional News (below) and resulted in almost the whole collection of paintings finding their homes — Simon has continued to build momentum within the arts community. Most recently, his work was recognised in the 2025 Inverlochy Art School Annual Exhibition, where he placed 2nd in the People's Choice Award from a field of over 100 entries. His current practice is focused on the Renewing series, further exploring the intersection of abstract portraiture and the human experience.

Latest series

Renewing is the working title for a series of abstract portraits that rest on seams of light, shadow, and water. In these works, shadow holds the weight of fear and anxiety, while light speaks of a childlike freedom and joy.  Water reflects cleansing and renewal — felt or denied in a fluid, shifting balance. This collection aims to capture the specific moments when we either embrace or deny the cycles of our own renewal.   “I hope this work offers viewers a moment of connection and recognition for what is both wonderful and challenging about our shared human experience.”

The Wellington venue and dates for the 2026 exhibition of this Renewing series will be announced soon. Connect to join the mailing list and receive updates.

Ngā mihi nui,
Simon

PS: this short video provides more insight into my artistic practice (as at June 2025): here