Olive Paul (they/them/theirs)
b. March 1999, Chicago, IL, USA
Lives and works in Milwaukee, WI, USA
My studio practice approaches abstract art through poly-disciplinary work. The shape and form of each project is created through impulse and allowing the material to inform how things come together. I tell stories of self expression, vulnerability, and queer identity through surreal, psychedelic and abstract themes across all mediums. My current ambition is allowing my inner to be delicately weaved into each creation through texture, iridescence, connections to gender nonconformity and nature. Working with clay, textiles and plaster alongside recycled material I am having intrapersonal conversation and coping with physiology, pain and trauma through abstract ideas and larger scale projects. I am attempting to approach multimedia sculpture with kitsch and surreal themes to celebrate queer identity while wrestling my relationship with femininity and my own body. I play in the combining various mediums including plaster, clay, fabric and scrap waste, upcycled and found materials, iridescent adornments and glass beads, documentation and world building/narrative via photography and time based media.
Education
2025
BFA New Studio Practice: Fine Arts, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, WI,
Group Exhibitions
2022
Multiplied 02, In Between Two Galleries, Milwaukee, WI
Ritual, TASK Gallery, Cudahy, WI
2023
Veteran Print Project
Published Work
2023
Connections Class Interviews, group collaboration interview compilation book
2022
PISSST: Enbies Fuck, Too., self published
Gum Zine, self published
Slow, Circular, Sustainable, self published
2021
PISSST, self published
2017
Vol. 1 Addictions, March-April 2018, Cooperacion Creativa Zine, Chicago, IL
Video Work
2020
We Dance As One, Mike Dunn for Defected Records, Smartbar, Chicago, IL
4:20 Sessions - Memorial Day, DJ Disko Kitty and Catspit TV, Brookfield, IL
The Goods Thursdays, Duke Shin for Catspit TV, Brookfield, IL
Catspit Dance-thon: Renan’s Bday Special, Catspit TV, Brookfield, IL
Soul Jack Halloween, The Soul Jackers and Catspit TV, Brookfield, IL
Stockists / Storefronts
Eden Couture Co., online marketplace portal
The Vibe Collective, Portsmouth, NH, USA
Graphic Design Work
2021
Funktions Of Nature, full branding identity including logo and other assets
2019
Luxxe Festival Wear, business card and logo
2018
Uppercunt, Peach Vomit, record sleeve back and center labels