A Parallel Complex Visual Entropy

For the month of April, Fabulon Art Center presents the works of acclaimed visual artist Hampton R. Olfus. Entitled Layers: A Parallel Complex Visual Entropy, the exhibit opens with a reception from 5-8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1 and will stay on display through the end of the month.
Born a Washingtonian, visual artist Olfus creates works of art that are direct links to African, Native American, and European styles. Olfus works in acrylics, pen and ink, pencil, watercolor, and mixed media; the pieces are very detailed and are, in many cases, reminiscent of fine sculpture.
Olfus started drawing at the age of 3. Encourage by his mother Gloria E. Olfus, he attended summer art programs, where he learned how to paint with oils. Hampton sold his first painting when he was 12 years old, while exhibiting at a summer arts program. He studied art history, drawing, painting, advertising, and illustration while attending college, and within artist group sessions. As a fine artist, Hampton has exhibited his art nationally and internationally, receiving awards and reviews from the press.
“As an artist I work in many different mediums, because it’s what keeps me excited in the studio,” says Olfus. “However, I’m very comfortable with one over the others — the pen. The pen allows me to work with a rhythmic flow that allows me to transfer my emotion to the surface I’m working on. When working in color, I prefer to work in earth tones. I like the way earth tones give a feeling of warmth and comfort, to an art piece.”
Olfus has also worked for three newspapers in the D.C. metro area, as a commercial artist/illustrator, creating spot drawings, cover illustrations, and advertising.
As an illustrator/signmaker, Olfus has worked for the U.S. Postal Service The New Day Group, Wash. D.C., and Paul Hudson aka; HR, of the band Bad Brains and promotional packages, album and CD cover designs for other music groups nationally. Hampton has also illustrated books, created tee shirt designs, posters and greeting cards.
Olfus is also a founding member of the artist groups Alpha Flight 2061 Inc., Black Artists Consortium, Artist Consortium Gallery, and HOSO Creations. Art is an integral part of his life by way of expression, vision, education, and communication. It reflects his formal training and personal studies. “Let art be art, fresh and new, no egos or selfish wants just the artist’s pure spirit … I will continue my work as an artist, with life in general as my muse,” he says.
Fabulon: Center For Art Education hosts an opening reception for Layers: A Parallel Complex Visual Entropy by Hampton R. Olfus on Friday, April 1, 5-8:30 p.m. Fabulon is located at 1017 Wappoo Road. For more information, call 566-3383 or visit www.fabulonart.com.