Olivia Mae Pendergast: "An emotional immersive experience"

"I buy art because I love it. It’s all about my heart.
It’s not about investment strategy or whatever.”
Pearl Lam

Investing in art extends beyond mere financial considerations; it is an immersive journey driven by a profound love for creativity and expression. While some may view art as a potential financial asset, authentic art collectors often prioritize their emotional connection to the pieces they acquire. The true allure lies in the transformative power of art, elevating one's quality of life and offering an authentic, emotional experience.

Art transcends the mundane, capable of evoking strong emotions that range from sheer delight to poignant introspection. When one engages with art, it's an endeavor to connect with it on a personal level, irrespective of the artist's identity or the gallery's prestige. The real collector's journey involves thorough exploration—researching the artwork, delving into the artist's philosophy, and understanding the contextual nuances of the creation. 

Pearl Lam encapsulates the essence of true art appreciation, asserting that the motivation behind her art acquisitions is purely heartfelt. It's not about a calculated investment strategy but an authentic connection, a resonance with the artist's values and beliefs. The emphasis is on acquiring artwork that one cannot resist contemplating, learning from, and ultimately must possess. Genuine collectors exhibit empathy towards the art itself, ensuring it is showcased and respected in its entirety, independent of the artist's reputation. In essence, the act of buying art is an investment in one's own well-being, a celebration of the profound impact that art can have on one's life.

A Bridge connecting Cultures

Olivia Mae Pendergast, an American-born artist, embarked on a transformative artistic journey when she discovered Africa, specifically in Malawi, in 2008. Subsequent travels to places like Haiti and Bangladesh followed, but it was in 2016 that she chose to make Kenya her home. While she has explored landscapes, Pendergast's true passion lies in portraiture, capturing the essence of "ordinary" people in their daily lives with a remarkable subtlety.

Her seemingly simple depictions belie a profound creativity and a quest for subtle effects that leave a lasting impact. Pendergast's paintings possess a contemporary and progressive quality, while also nodding to the revolutionary old masters of the 20th century, such as Picasso, Modigliani, and Gauguin. The influence of Modigliani is particularly evident in the elongated forms and expressions of her Kenyan subjects, paying homage to the iconic artist while maintaining a unique and significant style.

Pendergast's art transcends mere aesthetic exploration; it becomes a bridge connecting cultures. Rather than appropriating African motifs, she candidly acknowledges her inspiration as an American artist living amongst Kenyans. Her empathetic approach is palpable, evident in the trust and comfort her subjects exude, having willingly posed for her.

Her loose, transparent oil brush strokes and pastel earth colors serve as intentional visual devices, allowing viewers to peer beyond physical traits and connect with the true essence of her subjects. Background tones are like brilliant spices.  Pendergast's work challenges the debate on whether a non-African artist can be considered contemporary African, asserting that anyone who centers African people, culture, and narratives with sincerity should be embraced.

Her paintings, infused with a spirituality that transcends the mundane, celebrate the everyday hero. Each canvas becomes a song, a melody to humanity, echoing the dignity and magical aura inherent in every individual. With meticulous attention to detail and background, Pendergast crafts a visual symphony, where pastel hues harmonize with the energy or languor of her subjects, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond the surface, resonating with the soul of each portrayed figure. In Pendergast's art, every person becomes a magical entity, a testament to the profound beauty found in the ordinary.

Exhibition 
January 20th - February 25th '24

OOA GALLERY Barcelona 
Carrer Nou 1 - 08870 Sitges, Barcelona - Spain 

On the cover: OLIVIA MAE PENDERGAST USA, B. 1970. TUK TUK, 2019. Oil on canvas, 183cm x 183cm

Source: Sorella Acosta