Whale Wails and Waves by artist
A LOUGHBOROUGH artist is to take centre stage at a popular gallery with an exhibition made up of dream-like drawings inspired by ecology, biology and nature.
Olivier Marc Thomas Leger’s Whale Wails and Waves is set to be one of the biggest and best solo shows to date at The Harley Gallery, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
Opening June 24, it will run alongside work entered into this year’s popular biennial Harley Open from across the UK and abroad with the expert panel selecting around 140 for the show.
Olivier, who has won both the Judges’ Prize and People’s Prize in the Harley Open art competition in 2015, creates animals imagined as living planets with their own landscapes and ecosystems using fine liner pens.
He featured in the Echo in October last year after he filled Loughborough Town Hall’s Sock Gallery with ‘Oodles of Doodles’.
Commenting on his art, Olivier said: “I take inspiration from nature and I’m learning more all the time, it’s an unlimited source.
“Sometimes people can feel intimidated by art. I want to break that barrier.
“My work is playful, I hope that people enjoy my work and spend some time with it.”
Visitors are encouraged to explore the drawings and discover hidden surprises in the intricate artworks.
Olivier says he is looking forward to the upcoming exhibition at the gallery. He said: “Winning the Harley Open helped me raise my profile with a wider audience.
“The Harley Gallery audience are well engaged so it’s an amazing opportunity for me to have an exhibition here.
“It’s not just about the prizes, although of course, the money is great for artists starting out. Having an audience for your work is the real benefit in the long term.”
For more on The Harley Gallery and the Harley Open, visit www. harleygallery.co.uk
For more on Olivier, visit his Facebook page: www. facebook. com/ OlivierMarcThomasLeger