THE 90s - Abstract Art exhibition
About this Event
THE 90s: An Art Exhibition by Olivier Salvas
Where did the colours go?
With THE 90s, contemporary artist Olivier Salvas transforms nostalgia into a vibrant reflection on individuality, self-expression, and the courage to stand apart in a world increasingly drawn toward conformity.
Inspired by photographs of the 1990s — a time when homes, cars, fashion, and everyday objects were filled with bold colours and personality — this immersive exhibition explores the decade not only as a moment in time, but as a metaphor. The 90s represents a place where colour symbolized freedom, imagination, and identity. Today, as society often embraces a more “beige” aesthetic through repetition, trends, and sameness, Salvas asks: Where did the colours go?
Through expressive abstract paintings featuring colours reminiscent of the 1990s, Salvas invites viewers to rediscover the importance of individuality and the power of embracing who they truly are. The works celebrate the beauty of standing out, resisting the pressure to blend in, and continuing to bring colour into spaces that have become increasingly uniform.
At its heart, THE 90s is a celebration of memory, colour, visibility, energy, joy, and pride. It honours the personal and collective experiences that shape us — from childhood memories and cultural references to the ongoing journey toward authentic self-expression and belonging.
Known for his bold abstract language, graffiti influences, and explorations of identity, Olivier Salvas creates a visual experience where nostalgia meets contemporary culture. THE 90s invites audiences to step into a world of vibrant movement and emotion — a reminder that colour is more than an aesthetic choice; it is a statement of presence, individuality, and the freedom to be seen.
THE 90s is a celebration of the colours we remember, the colours we reclaim, and the colours we choose to bring back.
About Olivier Salvas Artiste
Olivier Salvas is a contemporary artist, curator, educator, and arts advocate whose multidisciplinary practice explores the intersections of abstraction, popular culture, identity, and social engagement. Originally from Montreal and based in Vancouver, Olivier creates immersive works that examine memory, visibility, belonging, and collective experience while fostering dialogue between artists, communities, and cultural institutions.
Influenced by urban culture, graffiti, and street art, Olivier works primarily in abstract painting, photography, mixed media, and interdisciplinary projects. His practice transforms personal narratives into visual experiences that explore contemporary social and cultural themes, often through collaborations with photographers, designers, and other creatives.
For over a decade, Olivier has exhibited across Canada through public and private galleries, juried exhibitions, and curated projects. His 2021 series Flamboyant, celebrating self-acceptance, joy, and resilience, received significant recognition, with the work Sometimes I Paint Just for Fun receiving First Prize from the Federation of Canadian Artists. His work continues to be presented, collected, and sold nationally and internationally.
Olivier is represented by Nikitin Gallery in Brooklyn, New York, and NoMad Gallery in White Rock, British Columbia. He also operates his own gallery space in Vancouver, is represented by Lost Lagoon Gallery, and maintains permanent exhibition spaces in Montreal and Victoria.
Beyond his studio practice, Olivier is dedicated to strengthening the arts community. Since 2022, he has curated the annual art exhibition at the BC Housing Provincial Conference, creating opportunities for emerging and established artists. He also facilitates workshops and mentorship opportunities through organizations including Community Arts Vancouver, the Outsiders and Others Art Festival, and the Federation of Canadian Artists.
Education and collaboration remain central to Olivier’s practice. Since 2015, he has worked with the Vancouver Biennale’s Big Ideas in Schools program, and in 2020 participated in WE ARE OCEAN Vancouver, an international environmental arts initiative connected to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Maintaining strong connections to both Vancouver and Montreal, Olivier continues to contribute to Canada’s contemporary art landscape as an artist, curator, educator, and juror. In 2026, he presents The 90s, an immersive collection exploring memory, colour, visibility, energy, joy, and pride, marking a significant evolution in his ongoing artistic practice.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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