Olivia Turner’s concern with spatial awareness is evident in her work, which continually plays with conventional ideas about spaces. Turner’s paintings look at perspective, composition and structure and are inspired by Brutalist architecture. Her interest in architecture is something which she has continuously been captivated by, the powerful structures and materials of these building have always fascinated her. Turner constantly refines her compositions to create spaces that highlight the hidden beauty of buildings that would often be overlooked. By isolating them from their original surroundings, she wants to give the viewer no option but to interact with them. 

Each painting is developed from a series of drawings, which have all been made from multiple viewpoints. In this way, Turner constantly explores the different ways in which she can portray a site that she has investigated, primarily selecting interesting architectural elements which were prominent on her original visit.

Olivia Turner was the winner of our 2018 Open Contemporary Young Artist Award.