Painting has frequently been an act of political or social commentary for Oliver Benoit, whose stimulating, multilayered works present to us challenging interactions between his powerful themes and the textures and colors which bring them forth. Oliver deftly applies his paint in varying degrees of thickness and in a way that challenges our conventional distinction between abstraction and representation. The use of luminous colors and provocative shapes imbues beauty and meaning in these works, which often subtly evoke a sense of unease in the viewer. It is through this strong combination of artistry and intellectual intensity that the moods in Oliver's compelling paintings rise out of their sculptural, labyrinthine forms. These sensitive yet formidable works speak to us on many levels and offer themselves as mirrors to our own psychologies.

The emotional, intellectual and aesthetic power of Oliver Benoit's work is a testament to his commitment to both the discipline and the exuberance of his art, and to creating beautiful canvases that are controlled yet magnificently stunning.