Acclaimed artist Bernard Ollis OAM invites art lovers to experience his latest exhibition, From the Inside Looking Out, at Mitchell Fine Art in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, from May 13–31. Known for his vibrant and dynamic depictions of life, Ollis presents a fresh collection of works that transform everyday scenes into immersive, colourful compositions.
Primarily a figurative artist, Ollis explores the human form and the environments people occupy. In this exhibition, he distorts and amplifies reality through bold colours, shifting perspectives, and layered patterns, often combining multiple viewpoints within a single image.
“I have always been interested in pictures within pictures—encouraging you, the viewer, to see beyond one space and out into another. In short, from the inside, to the out,” says Ollis. “These artworks have been created and inspired by visits to specific locations, imagined or seen. They are never about accurate copies or representation—after all, that is the role of the camera.”
A British-born, Sydney-based artist, Ollis has a significant academic and professional background, including his role as the longest-serving Director of the National Art School in Sydney. In 2023, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contribution to visual arts and education.
His work has been featured in major exhibitions and acquired by leading institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia, Queensland Art Gallery, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, and the Royal College of Art UK. He has also been selected for key prizes, including the Sulman and Dobell Art Prizes and the Salon des Refusés.
An Artist Talk with Bernard Ollis will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 2:30pm, followed by drinks and an opportunity to meet the artist. Free entry, no RSVP required.
Image: Van Gogh Hospital Room, 2024, oil on linen, 152 x 183 cm
