Weaving a Word Illusion

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Vancouver-based artist Mark Ollinger describes his work as Nordic or Celtic knots that merge with graffiti. He typically executes them in aerosol paint on a flat wood panel, although he plays with the illusion of 3D space. 

Ollinger bases each piece on a different word that he turns into an unbroken line and then interweaves into a larger pattern. The word influences the shape of the final piece, which he first draws by hand and then recreates digitally, distorting it to create an optical illusion. 

In Timing, for instance, the original word is “she.” Squint and you will see a rectilinear “s” on the left side and a lower case “e” on the right. In the middle, acting almost like a hinge, is the “h.” Why that word? “Relationship stuff,” he responds. 

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Mark Ollinger, "Feeling," 2017

Mark Ollinger, "Feeling," 2017

aerosol and MDF on panel, 72" x 36"

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Mark Ollinger, "Feeling," (side view) 2017

Mark Ollinger, "Feeling," (side view) 2017

aerosol and MDF on panel, 72" x 36"

Ollinger, who was born in 1988 and grew up in Calgary, is self-trained and has been active in the graffiti community. After high school, he freelanced in illustration and design, worked in a silkscreen shop for a year, and designed his own fashion line, Duality Clothing, which was popular with skateboarders. 

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Mark Ollinger, "Sphere Study," 2017

Mark Ollinger, "Sphere Study," 2017

aerosols on wood panel, 24" x 24"

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Mark Ollinger, "Sphere Study," (side view) 2017

Mark Ollinger, "Sphere Study," (side view) 2017

aerosols on wood panel, 24" x 24"

Now focused on making art, he is emerging into the gallery system this month with two shows. One, Unconventional Constructions, is at Kimoto Gallery in Vancouver with two other artists, Jon Saw and Andre Serin. The other is a solo show, Lines Drawn, at Herringer Kiss Gallery in Calgary. Both are on view until Jan. 27. ■