Hope Ollivant
Hope Ollivant is a stylist, art jeweler, and ceramic artist based in Richmond, Virginia. She holds a BFA in Craft and Material Studies from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts.
At VCU, Hope served as Editor in Chief of Ink Magazine, the university’s art, culture, and fashion publication. Her creations have been featured at London Fashion Week and are available through Ap0cene, a platform dedicated to emerging artists and designers.
"I critique our parasocial relationships with celebrities, icons, and characters ignorant of our existence. Taking these relationships to a new level, my work intensifies the illusion of this behavior by crafting a fake physical presence through the imagery and pieces I make. The exaggerated delusions, explore the inescapable influence of media and pop culture on our perceptions of human connection, emotions, and culture.
My aesthetics embrace superficiality and use it as a tool for communication. My practice is guided by contemporary art and fashion. The pieces adorn homes, museums, bodies, and even vehicles. As one of seven, I have spent my life trying to understand the actions and emotions of those around me, tangled in a web of personalities. Influenced by complex relationships and family dynamics, my art inspires me to explore intricate connections and maintain optimism.
To be intimate with one of my pieces is a luxury. The work participates in theatrical performances that nod to culture, identity, and history. The work holds a certain seriousness, however, its extravagant nature and perceived lack of depth often lead to its dismissal. It is within its extravagance that the true depth of the work unfolds, inviting viewers to reconsider preconceived notions of value."
