Oliver Scarlin, born in 1987 in Cape Town, emerges as a distinctive artist with a profound exploration of visual art shaping his journey. At the core of Scarlin's artistic practice is a commitment to painting from observation, exploring perception through the interplay of form and color. Going beyond traditional boundaries, he seamlessly incorporates functional ceramic objects into his still-life compositions. These ceramics, designed with aesthetic and utilitarian considerations, become integral elements in Scarlin's exploration of the visual realm.

While not confined to realism, Scarlin's paintings are perceptual responses to the sensations of form and colour. The synergy between still life, figurative paintings, and ceramics creates a dynamic interplay where each informs and mirrors the other. In Scarlin's art, household ceramics find their place in simple still-life compositions, while figure paintings of domestic scenes resonate in small ceramic figures.

Textures become a language of their own as Scarlin explores pottery, cloth, and paper intersecting with organic forms like fruit, sea shells, or exposed skin. His art becomes a nuanced exploration of the sensual and the mundane, elevating the everyday to a realm of intimate significance. In the hands of Oliver Scarlin, the canvas transforms into a narrative space, inviting viewers to engage with the profound themes of human connection and personal history embedded in his work.

After returning to his roots in Cape Town in 2015, Scarlin’s practice began impacting the local art scene. With four solo exhibitions and a notable presence in group shows, his work reflects a unique blend of technical prowess and thematic depth. Scarlin's work extends beyond formal aspects, becoming a testament to the rich tapestry of human experience. Themes of memory, longing, and queer intimacy infuse his creations with a profound sense of narrative. Each stroke on the canvas engages with the emotional and psychological layers of his subjects.

Scarlin holds a BA in visual art from the Stellenbosch Academy of Design & Photography, where he laid the foundation for his artistic pursuits. Further honing his skills, Scarlin completed the 3-year painting program at the prestigious Florence Academy of Art, not only refining his craft but also contributing as an assistant instructor.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2024
'Chaos Lilies', EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town, South Africa

2022
‘New Works’, EBONY/CURATED, Franschhoek, South Africa

2020
‘Be Still My Heart’, The Gallery at Glen Carlou, Paarl, South Africa

2019
‘Fruition’, The Voorkamer Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa

2018
‘The Painters Plate’, The Voorkamer Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa

2017
‘Tidescapes’, The Voorkamer Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2025
EXPO Chicago, EBONY/CURATED, Chicago, United States of America
Investec Cape Town Art Fair, EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town, South Africa

2024
'A Very Loop Street Summer III', EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town, South Africa
'Significant Other', WHATIFTHEWORLD, Cape Town, South Africa
'Sculpting Textual Bodies', Oude Leeskamer, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Investec Cape Town Art Fair, EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town, South Africa
'From Palestine With Love', The Desmond Tutu and Leah Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa

2023
'Room With a View', Curated by Karen Elkington, EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town, South Africa

2022
'STILTE', The Voorkamer Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
‘Paint’, Curated by JP Meyer, The Gallery at Glen Carlou, Paarl, South Africa


2021
‘LIGHT’, The Gallery at Glen Carlou, Paarl, South Africa
‘99 Reasons to Come to Cape Town', The Voorkamer Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
‘Sailors and Sirens’, Rust-En-Vrede Gallery, Durbanville, South Africa
‘Verdigris’, GUS Gallery, Stellenbosch, South Africa

2020
‘Ceramix’, The Voorkamer Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
‘Boys Don’t Cry’, Rust-En-Vrede Gallery, Durbanville, South Africa

2019
‘Self’, The Gallery at Glen Carlou, Paarl, South Africa
‘Even Artists Get The Blues’, The Voorkamer Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
‘Palate, Plate, Palette’, Rust-En-Vrede Gallery, Durbanville, South Africa

2018
'Nature Morte', Dyman Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
‘Winter Exhibition’, Otomys Art Gallery, Tetbury, United Kingdom
‘Rain Dance’, The Voorkamer Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa

2017
‘Terrain’, A Group Exhibition, Absolut Art Gallery, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Sanlam Portrait Award "Portrait 100" Rust-En-Vrede Gallery / Michaelis Galleries, Cape Town, South Africa
‘Hour Work’, The Voorkamer Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
‘Elements of Realism’, Absolut Art Gallery, Stellenbosch, South Africa
‘Glimpses of Eden’, Imibala Gallery, Somerset West, South Africa

2016
‘The Spirit of Stern’, Irma Stern Museum, Cape Town, South Africa

2015
‘Summer Alumni Show’, The Florence Academy of Art, Florence, Italy

2014
‘Represent Art London', 20th Century Theater, London, United Kingdom
‘Artists In Transit’, Imibala Gallery, Somerset West, South Africa