OLLY FATHERS
Olly Fathers is a London-based artist whose practice explores the interaction between abstract forms, architectural influence, and material precision. Working from his studio in Brixton, Fathers creates playful, intricately balanced works that invite quiet contemplation and reward close observation. Whether rendered in wood, paint, or reclaimed materials, his art offers a tactile, meditative experience rooted in precision, pattern, and process.
At the core of his practice is a deep respect for materials—especially wood. Drawing on his background in woodworking and an intuitive sense of design, Fathers has developed a unique visual language that blends geometric abstraction with influences from architecture, urban landscapes, and even early computer graphics. Using hand-cut veneers and self-taught marquetry techniques, he creates works that are both methodical and expressive, grounded in craftsmanship but open to interpretation. These carefully composed pieces use symmetry, repetition, and subtle contrast to create a sense of calm and spatial harmony.
Fathers’ love of the making process is evident in every piece. His approach is methodical and process-led, with an eye for detail that borders on obsessive. Yet within this structure is a sense of play—experimentation with colour, texture, and shape that encourages the viewer to engage with the work not just visually, but physically and emotionally. The balance between strict formalism and gentle humour is part of what gives his work its distinctive character.
His earlier series of paintings—originally developed from observing the movement of people through built-up cityscapes—reference the choreography of public life. These pieces abstract the flow of traffic and the geometry of roads, pathways, and buildings into painterly compositions. Over the last decade, this body of work has evolved into something more minimal and graphic, yet still retains a tangible connection to the experience of navigating space.
Fathers also works extensively with paper, card, recycled cardboard, and wood-effect vinyl—materials that might be considered humble or disposable but are treated with the same attention and respect as more traditional media. These studies, while often exploratory in nature, are never treated as throwaway—they stand as fully realised works in their own right, often serving as blueprints for larger commissions.
His work is increasingly being recognised and collected on a global scale. Fathers has exhibited widely, including multiple shows at Saatchi Gallery, as well as presenting work at the Morgan Furniture showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week. His commissions include bespoke pieces for Soho House, now part of their international collections in London, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, and Mumbai. Whether creating wall-based works, sculptural forms, or design collaborations, Fathers maintains a commitment to balance—between simplicity and complexity, structure and spontaneity.
With every line drawn and veneer laid, Olly Fathers creates visual moments of quiet clarity—artworks that ask us to slow down, notice the craft, and enjoy the elegance of order.
Creative Debuts have commissioned Olly for many projects, including with BOSS and Crown Estate
