Comfort the Afflicted: Steve Olson

Comfort the Afflicted: Steve Olson

in Main Gallery

Proudly Sponsored by:  Anonymous

Artist's Statement by Steve Olson

Steve Olson (1951-2001) was a veteran Minnesota artist, active from the 1980's to his death in 2021, who's work bore witness to the power of love to comfort and connect, especially in times of struggle. The son of a social worker, Olson created a signature style of carved and burned wood to help us see "the other" in our lives and our communities. Fire is a universal symbol of transformation and his ongoing theme of being present to one another through the difficulties of life gives homage to the heros among us who bring comfort and solace.

Olson, Stephen James "Steve" 69, died April 13, 2021

Steve was an artist whose work bore witness to the marginalized, giving a face to those who aren't seen. His rough-hewn figures slashed into burned wood, exploring themes of suffering, solitude and solace, belied the warm-hearted, soft-spoken man who wanted to know what street you grew up on and would toss you a Snickers when you weren't looking. But he sought to illustrate the beauty and universality of human suffering. A fixture of Mpls' 80's gallery scene, Steve had artworks in private and corporate collections and created the Brickman sculpture that adorned the Mpls skyline. When galleries closed, he shifted his talent to exhibitions advancing social missions of affordable housing, domestic violence, and economic justice.

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