Olivia Valentine: The Pink Cloud

Olivia Valentine: The Pink Cloud
7th – 30th September 2023
Gillian Jason Gallery
19 Great Titchfield St
London W1W 8AZ

GJG is delighted to present Olivia Valentine’s solo show ‘The Pink Cloud’: through a series of intimate portraits of her support network, Valentine explores the joy of recovery, capturing her sitters’ individual narratives in the belief that connection is the most powerful quality for overcoming adversity.

The term ‘Pink Cloud’ refers to a stage of early recovery from addiction that involves feelings of euphoria. Throughout her personal journey, Valentine came to understand that, for her, the remedy for addiction is ‘connection.’ Through this series of portraits, Valentine shares with the viewer her support network, exploring different ways of expressing emotional intimacy through her subjects. Grateful for all the interpersonal relationships she has had in her life, Valentine carefully constructs every painting to tell a story about the sitter.

“All these characters I’ve depicted in my paintings have had an important role in my life, whether that was a fleeting friend, a best friend or an ex lover. They all play a significant part in my life and have helped shape the very fabric of my being, coming and going at exactly the right time.” (Olivia Valentine) 

Fascinated by the way in which we relate to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us, Valentine investigates the dynamic between the past and the present and people’s individual stories and narratives, in the firm belief that connection and resilience are the most powerful qualities for overcoming adversity.

“All the world is a stage” says Valentine while breaking down her visual exploration of these individual characters she has interacted with at some point in her life; “these interactions are worth immortalising, life’s too short to hold back from connecting with people and talking to them about your passions and purpose or even something insignificant and mundane.” 

The undertone of Valentine’s work is a very serious one, for she wishes to raise awareness on the importance of mental health, removing the stigma behind it, particularly in relation to the disease of addiction. Yet, such an exploration is imbued with cheerful nuances: the artist focuses on the joys of recovery, and the new ways of living that it has gifted her and many others, investigating and capturing the feelings of hope, serenity and elation of her sitters.

©2023 Olivia Valentine, Gillian Jason Gallery