The solo exhibition “Attached To Nothing, Connected To Everything“ at Maia Contemporary marks a point of culmination in the work of American Artist Olivia Steele.

 

Attached To Nothing, Connected To Everything includes an eclectically curated collection of inner musings, truisms, illusions, and illuminated metaphors- also known as “Steeleisms.“ Steele employs the traditional commercial medium of Neon gas to create a variety of opposing contrasts that serve as a guiding light in the process of self exploration, combined with the beautiful side of suffering, and the quest for enlightenment. The concepts and statements on show reflect a series of personal self-realizations of the artist, as she unravels the threads and unlearns layers of conditioning from a standard American upbringing in this game we all play called life.

 

“It’s no doubt that the future of humanity is moving into the imagination. As the gap between the impossible and the possible lessens, and the veil on reality and spirituality lifts, certain truths become more evident and hard to deny. A crucial aspect to our evolution as a human race is replacing fear of the unknown with curiosity.”

 

As the title of the show suggests, the concept of contrast and contradiction are common themes throughout the work of Olivia Steele. She often plays with the innate connotation and juxtaposition of certain words which give rise to an expected yet refreshing meaning.

 

“My art has the unique ability to playfully provoke us to use the imagination to discover simple truths and ancient wisdom that can often initiate a moment of powerful impact. A never-ending search for existential extracts that stimulate the mind to understand one’s self and our mysterious lives is what fuels my creations. I am addicted to curiosity and finding an extraordinary and true knowledge useful for others and myself. Collecting useful wisdom, giving light to it and sharing it with the world is my purpose. Art is metaphor, and so is this exhibition. Like our unique journeys, this exhibition is filled with opposing contrasts, shiny illusions and powerful reminders. This is how and why imagination is so crucial to the adaptation and transformation process, which is necessary for evolution and transcendence. I invite you to reflect in the illusions, question my words, test your faith, observe your reactions, and most importantly make light of this crazy ride we’re on. May my creative manifestations empower you and amplify your process as we enter into an age of light.“