Oliver Hazard Benson

b. 1968, Newport, RI

Oliver Hazard’s paintings are produced directly from his imagination and deals with a mixture of imagery he has witnessed in his travels, dreams, and read about in literature. The artist is influenced by Taoism and European occultism, especially the movements of the late 19th and early 20th century. Hazard is also inspired by Surrealism and the Viennese school of Fantastic Realism imagery as well as the technique and practice of old Tibetan painting and that of Renaissance Europe. His imagery comes from his imagination within and doesn't rely on specific models whether visual, literal or otherwise cultural; but also does not avoid the appearance of recognizable figures (such as a specific god or goddess) should one of them appear.  Born Oliver Hazard Benson, Oliver dropped the last name in 2018.