OLIVIA STRANGE

Olivia Strange's multi-disciplinary practice spanning sculpture, painting, installation, moving image & poetry is characterised by a layered narrative and a highly visceral aesthetic. Historical hetero-patriarchal narratives are dismantled through re-writing ancient mythologies via a queer feminist lens. As a practicing witch herself, the historical persecution of witches & female identifying people- for their sense of self directed feminine power, intellectual & sexual freedom- is a recurring theme in Strange’s work as well as the landscape of fantasy & other worldly dimensions. Themes of pleasure, jouissance, desire, power, spirituality & escapism are explored by subverting universal codified objects, gestures and icons to portray an empowering image of queer subjectivity with the hope of cultivating empathy for continuingly othered experiences.

Since graduating with Distinction from Chelsea College of Art- MA Fine Art (2017) having received the Vice Chancellor Scholarship, Strange has exhibited at Annka Kulty’s Gallery presenting a large scale immersive installation as part of the inaugural Cacotopia show, Southwark Park Galleries, Shoreditch Modern, ArtOn Istanbul, Unit 1 Gallery, Liminal Gallery (Solo Show), Every Woman Biennial, Basis Projektraum & had a solo presentation at London Art Fair (curated by Gemma Rolls-Bentley) with Liminal Gallery in 2024.

Strange was selected for the 2021 cohort of the SPACE Studios X London Creative Network Artist Development Programme, the Ellipsis Prints 2021 Commissioning Project & was a finalist of the prestigious Ingram Collection Purchase Prize 2021. Strange was selected for the Radical Residency 2022 at Unit 1 Gallery in London, longlisted for the Robert Walters UK New Artist Award 2022, & co-curated the group exhibition ‘Bag, Pedestal, Rabbit, Potato’ which centred around Ursula. K. Le Guin’s seminal text The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction at Staffordshire Street Gallery, London & shortlisted for the GIRLPOWER Residency 2023

In 2024 Strange was awarded 'Critics Choice' for her stand with Liminal Gallery at London Art Fair’s PLATFORM section curated by Gemma Rolls-Bentley and consequently was interviewed by FETCH magazine discussing her practice, background and inspiration. Strange has since shown with Shoreditch Modern Gallery in the group show ‘PLEASURES’ which was featured in Hunger magazine and also a recorded panel discussion with Strange speaking about her work for the 'Girl get a real job' podcast hosted by Sara Karpanen (available on Spotify).

Strange also presented her first Solo Show at Liminal Gallery in Margate in July 2024 titled ‘It Softens the Blow, That Deep Melodic Bliss’ consisting of nine new painting and sculpture works which explore notions of escape and survival through snapshot moments of euphoria, and queer pleasure as an act of resistance. The show proudly formed part of the official Margate Pride Art Trail. Strange recorded her second podcast during the show which features an in-depth interview hosted by Louise Fitzjohn on the Liminal Gallery podcast (available on Spotify & Apple), discussing her practice, artistic journey to date & experiences as a practicing witch.

In 2025, Strange is exhibiting at the Saatchi Gallery in 'Entangled' curated by Liminal Gallery, which brings together nine artists showing work which explores entanglements between humanity and the environment, addressing themes of interconnectedness, vulnerability, spirituality and coexistence.