Luis Olaso

Luis Olaso’s (b.1986, Bilbao, Spain)  paintings are undeniably expressive. They do, in a way, speak for themselves. Olaso works from a dynamic and beautiful improvisational standpoint. Initially self-taught, Olaso developed his process and personal style studying Fine Arts at the University of the Basque Country. He now lives and works in Bilbao, Spain.

Olaso creates freely through brushwork, mark-making, shaping and composing before stepping back from his canvas. This forms the ‘Action’ part of his two-stage process. Following this, he observes what is before him, visually assessing forms and features, making up his ‘Analysis’ stage. Olaso believes this combination of impulsive energy and quiet contemplation makes his works fresher and more visceral whilst allowing him to better access his internal emotional states and subconscious:

“My work is the result of how I am, how I work. I always do it unconsciously; we could say that it is a painting that is born from the irrational part of the brain.”

Olaso’s large, abstracted representations frequently feature organic and human forms and explore visual tensions that arise between colours and shapes as well as contrasts between ‘accidents’ and ‘order’. 

Olaso is interested in the idea that his paintings operate as dynamic self-portraits. He seldom begins a painting with a clear vision of what it will look like. Rather, he allows his brush to transmit his inner-self, his states of mind and feelings to transform them into moving, dramatic and thoughtful expressions through colour and form.