Artist’s Statement Natalie Olanick
I am interested in how images that distinguish order, pattern, and form, become intertwined with a sentiment of personal familiarity. How a spark of memory shifts into the production of a work, which can be a painting or a piece of writing, or a curatorial project. I make paintings that sometimes are accompanied by projections or small objects. I have done bookworks, as well as writing and curatorial projects.
In the works I produce or the projects I work on, I am exploring how the narrative quality of the works wanders into an in-between zone, allowing for multiple readings of a work or project. Messages and possible meanings shift from the nature of the materials, my usage of them, and how this mix reflects social codes and possibilities.
In certain works, I am hinting at notions derived from Modernity. How these goals and tools have become derailed. The images of structured types of measurements are represented as hand-made subjectively comprehended forms with poetic latitude. My process of art-making includes an open field of signification in which established associations and potential readings are layered. I work with the materials as tools to illustrate ideas rather than as a skill that must be mastered. I continue to ask questions of myself through object-making as well as writing and curatorial practice.
C.V.
Education
1997-99 Masters of Visual Art, University of Windsor
1988 Visual Arts, Banff Center, Banff, Alberta
1980-84 Experimental Arts, Ontario College of Art and Design, A.O.C.A.D.
1979-80 Fine Arts, Queens’ University
Solo Exhibitions
2014 “La Vitrine” 2618 rue Rachel, Montréal, QC.
2013 “Stock Market and hemlines” WARC, Toronto, Ont.
2005 ‘Movement of Myths’ WARC, Toronto, Ont
2004 “Overlap” White Mountain Academy, Elliot Lake, Ont.
2003 “Natalie Olanick”, Maison de la culture-Marie-Uguay, Montreal, Qc.
2001 “Smoke Signals”, Art Gallery of Sudbury, Sudbury, Ont.
2001 “The Celestial Error, L’Error Celeste”, Axe Neo-7, Hull, Qc…
2000 “Fittings/Garnitures”, Galerie Luz, Montreal, Q.c.
1996 “Supercoiled D.N.A.”, Robert Mclaughlin Gallery, Oshawa, Ont.
1994 “Supercoiled D.N.A.”, Optica Gallery, Montreal, Q.c.
1992 “Small Change”, Red Head Gallery, Toronto, Ont.
1990 “New Paintings”, Niagara Artists’ Center, St. Catherines, Ont.
Duo Exhibitions
2008 “Shares Accounts/ Dominique Prevost, Porpeller.Toronto, Ont.
2002 Open Studio exhibition, w/ Peter Dako, Toronto, and Ont.
1996 “Body and Soul” w/ Lorna Mills, Red Head Gallery, Toronto, Ont.
1994 “What’s Required” w/ Richard Storms, Mercer Union, Toronto, Ont.
1991 “Untitled” w/ Danielle Sneppenova, Forest City Gallery, London, Ont.
1988 “Guns and Roses” w/ Danielle Sneppenova, Eric Harvey Theater, Banff, Alberta
Group Exhibitions
2023 ” 40 X 40 “, Gallery 1313, Toronto Ont.
2022 “les guerres ça sert à quoi Absolument rein! (résistances) , GalerLaroche Joncas
2020 Faculty Biennial 14, Warren G, Flowers Gallery Dawson College, Montreal, Qc.
“Pandemica: A community Collage”, 12 Degreesart,Instagram, 15 Beverly St. Toronto
2019 “Cat Show”, Aird Gallery,908 Queen St. W. Toronto, Ont.
2018 8thInternational Artists’ book Biennial, Alexandria, Egypt
“Uncommon”, John B. Aird Gallery, Toronto, Ont.
2016 Faculty Biennial 13, Dawson College, Montreal, Qc.
2015 Drawing 2015, John B. Aird Gallery, Toronto, Ont
2014 20th International Symposium of Electronic Arts-ISEA2014 Dubai, UAE
2014 Faculty Biennial 12, Dawson College, Montreal, Qc.
2013 ‘’Fields’ Francoise Sullivan and Barry Allikas,
W. Flowers Gallery, Dawson College, Montreal, Qc
2012 ‘’Change’’ articule, Montreal, Qc.
‘’D’un oeil différent’’ Écomusée du fier monde, Montréal, Qc
2011 ‘ Je me souviener” articule, Montréal, QC.
11th Fine Arts Faculty Biennial, Dawson College, Montreal, Qc.
2010 à la dérive’’ Articule, Montréal, Q.C.
2009 “ARTARTAR” Articule, Montreal, Q.C
’10thFine Arts Faculty Biennial- Dawson College’’ Montreal, Q.c…
2007 “Artcite 25th Anniversary”, Windsor, Ont.
“Nuit Blache” Bloor lights, Toronto, Ont.
2001 “Soft Show”, instant coffee projects, Saidye Brofman Centre, Montreal, Q.C.
1999 , Le centre d’exposition de Baie-St. Paul, B. -St.-P. Q.C.
1999 “Sumer Show ” Galerie Luz, Montréal, Q.c.
1998 “Moments entrelaces” La Centrale, Montréal, Q.c
1998 “Artscene” Artcite, Windsor, Ontario
1997 “Untitled” Galerie Luz, Montreal, Q.c.
1997 “Mall Proteuse” Republic, Garnet Press, Toronto, Ont.
1996 “Limousine” Free Parking, Toronto, Ont.
“Snow” Garnet Press, Toronto, Ont.
1995 “DYS” YYZ Gallery, Toronto, Ont.
“Heat” Visual Arts Ontario, Toronto, Ont.
“Erotic Pavilions”(book project) Flora Borealis, Toronto, Ont
1994 “Dreaming of You” Garnet Press, Toronto, Ont.
“Mud” 507 Richmond St. E., Toronto, Ont.
“Put a Spell on You” McGill Club, Toronto, Ont
1993 “Snafu/Treasure” Republic, Toronto, Ont.
“Cities on the Edge” Hallwalls, Buffalo, New York
1992 “The Memorial Show” A Space, Toronto, Ont.
“Cachet and Currency” Garnet Press, Toronto, Ont.
1990 “Discordia Concours” Mercer Union, Toronto, Ont.
1987 “Interior Tenements” Republic, Toronto, Ont.
1984 “New Works, New York” Gallery 76, Toronto, Ont.
1983 “Chromaliving” Harriages department store, Toronto, Ont.
Collections
Canada Council Art Bank
Centre d’Art de Baie-Saint-Paul
Robert Mclaughlin Gallery
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt
Film Screenings
1987 “Carnival Stop Time”, slide presentation, 20 mins. A Space, Toronto, Ont.
1985 “Cache du Cinema”, super8, 10 mins. Funnel, Toronto, Ont.
1984 “New Work Showcase”, super8, 8 mins. Funnel, Toronto, Ont.
1980 “Painter as Filmmakers”, super8, 3 mins. Funnel, Toronto, Ont.
Performance
1981 “Something you’ll Like” Chromazone, Toronto, Ont.
1980 “Don’t explain anything Dear” Funnel, Toronto, Ont.
Curatorial Projects
2020 “The Weight of Delirium”, Andy Fabo co-curated with Rhonda Meier, Warren G Flowers Gallery, Mtl.
2016 Penelope Stewart Projects, Warren G. Flowers Gallery, Dawson College Montreal, Qc.
2011 “Sortons les archives” SKOl, Montréal, QC
2010 ‘’Francoise Sullivan at Womens Art Resource Center’’ Toronto, Ont.
1998 “Routine Activity”, Art Gallery of Windsor, Windsor, Ont.
1997 “Pseudonyms and Similarities”, Mercer Union, Toronto, Ont.
1997 “Masquerade” co-curator, Mercer Union, Toronto, Ont.
“Reviews” co-curator, Robert Mclaughlin Gallery, Oshawa, Ont.
1995-6 “Reviews” Project Room, Mercer Union, Toronto, Ont.
1993 ” Manual” Garnet Press, Toronto, Ont.
1987-90 “Secret Life of Objects”, “ExNiho”, “Product Perfect”, “Chaotic
Sublime”, co-curated with members of Republic
Teaching
2013 guest lecturer, University of Toronto, Ontario
2007-present Professor, Dawson College, Cegep, Montreal
2002-4 Professor, White Mountain Art Academy
2001 Guest Artist, White Mountain Art Academy
2001 Week-long workshop, Art Gallery of Sudbury
2000 Artist-in Residency, Emily Carr Institue of Art and Design (winter semester
1999 Drawing Instructor, University of Windsor, Spring Semester
1998 Guest Artist, Ontario College of Art and Design
1998-99 Substitute Painting Instructor, Toronto School of Art
Related Activities
2020 coordinator Fine Arts Biennial14, Dawson College, Montreal, Qc.
2011-12 Tandem Creatif, Exeko, painting project w intellectually challenged artist
2009 Residency Vermont Artist Studios, Vermont, U.S.A.
2009-2014 Board Member Articule Galerie, Montreal, Quebec
2007 Associate Board member Women’s’ Art Resource Center, Tor. Ont.
2002 Residency with Open Studio, Feb. Toronto. Ont.
1998 Residency with Quartier Ephemere (June, July, August), Mtl., P.Q.
1996 “Symposium de la nouvelle peiture”Le Centre d’Art de Baie-St. Paul, Q.C.
1994-96 Board member, Mercer Union, Toronto, Ont.
“Artists with their Works”, Extension Program, participant artist, Art Gallery of Ontario
Reviews
2013 Claire Lecker,” The Power of Colours”, the Plant, Montreal, Qc.
2013 Must see show, NOW, Toronto, Ont
2004 Rosalind Raby, “Artist melds science and art”, The Standard, Elliott Lake
1996 Valerie Lamontagne, “Review of Baie-St.-Paul”, ECT.”Montreal
Oliver Girling, “Not boring At All”, EYE weekly, Toronto
1993 Richard Huntington, “So Close and Yet So Far”, The Buffalo News
Christopher Eamon, “Gathering; The Memorial Project” Fuse magazine
1992 Kate Taylor,”Cachet & Currency”, Globe & Mail, Fri. April 17, C 14
Stephen Joy, “Olanick & Sneppova Forest City Gallery” London Ont.
Scene, March 20, Niagara Arts center
1990 Donna Lypchuck, “Mannerism at Mercer”Metropolis, Toronto
John Bently Mays, “State of the Art Summed up by Game Over” Globe &
Mail, Sat. July 21, C11
Publications
2013 “Field”, brochure, Deborah Caruthers, Dawson College, Mtl.
2002 ‘Linear Sensitivity’, brochure, Andy Fabo, Open Studio
2000 “Textura”,”Moments entrelaces, Sign of the Times:” Lorrain Simmis, LaCentrale
1998 “Boom”, the Winsor Salt (artist project), Common Ground
1994 “Mud” catalogue Ihor Holubisky
“What’s Required” brochure, Moira Clark, Mercer Union
1990 “Three Faces of Eve”, C magazine (artist project)
‘Uneasy Painting’ Issue magazine, Niagara Artists’ Center
‘Discordia Concours’ brouchure, Andy Fabo, Mercer Union
Published writings
2013 ‘Apian Screen” Penelope Stewart, review Espace/Sculpute,Monteral
2010 ‘Making a Song’- new works by Francoise Sullivan, brochure, WARC
2009 ‘Landon Mackenzine’ E.T.C., Montreal
2008 ‘Harlan Johnson’ ECT, Montréal
2005 ‘Karen Henderson at. Optica’ issue 68 Ciel Variable, Montréal
2002 catalogues essay, Kevin Sonmor, Galerie De Bellefeuille, Montréal
2001 “Shotgun Spencer Tunick, review, LoLa, number 10
2000 “Globes Oculaires”, brouchre, text for Carmen Ruschiensky, Galerie B-312
1999 “Routine Activity”, brochure, Art Gallery of Windsor
1998 “De la seduction a la resistance”, review Sylvie Belanger, LoLa, number 2
1997 “Pseudonyms and Similarities” brochure, Mercer Union
1996 “Masquerade”, brochure, w/John Armstorng, Carol Laing, Mercer Union
Artist talks
“Abstrus” Galerie Laroch/Joncas, June 2021
Ontario College of Art and Design Feb.2014
University of Toronto July 2012
Vermont Studio Center July 2009
McMaster University Feb. 2009
Emily Carr Institute of Art 2000
Mercer Union 1990