Kathie Olivas

Kathie Olivas is a multi-disciplinary narrative artist based in Algodones, New Mexico, where she lives with her husband and fellow artist, Brandt Peters.

Her work blends playful and psychological elements, bringing to life recognizable sculptures and paintings of quirky, caricatured monsters that emerge from her imagination. These creations inhabit a world that exists only in her mind, reflecting her unique reality.

Olivas’ art delves into society’s fascination with “cuteness” and humanity’s unease with the unknown. Drawing inspiration from early American portraiture, set in post-apocalyptic backdrops, and influenced by the USA’s pop surrealism movement, her work offers a satirical commentary on how fear shapes our perception of reality. Her wide-eyed children and anthropomorphic creatures evoke a sense of nostalgia, while also reflecting themes of isolation and uncertainty. These characters, empowered as alter egos, invite viewers into a surreal, solitary world, where the playdate becomes a profound exploration of the subconscious.