By Avery Ballmann | Staff Writer
In 1984 Kermit Oliver moved to Waco and began working at the post office. According to Jason Sheeler, a reporter for NPR’s “All Things Considered” podcast, “He doesn’t believe he can make a living as a painter.” Oliver’s humble comment about himself does not attribute to his success in the art world.
Not only has Oliver’s art been displayed in several exhibits in Houston, but he has also designed 16 scarves for the luxury brand Hermès in Paris. The exhibit “New Narratives, New Beginnings” at Art Center Waco showcases multiple of the silk scarves and many of his paintings from his personal collection and his clients.
The exhibit is tranquil. Somber paintings of fruit and birds were displayed right by the entrance. “The Last Meal at Jerusalem” and “Still Life with Birds” sold for a combined $27,000 at this exhibit. Walking through the individual rooms, the paintings were different sizes and had unique frames. Each seemed to have a continuous theme, a view of how one man sees the world.
A self-portrait of Oliver, painted in 1975, was displayed in the first room. The portrait seemed mysterious and not as detailed, which could resemble Oliver’s notorious reputation of keeping his personal life private.
Past the self-portrait in the Laura Dossett Smith Gallery was the collection of Hermès scarves. For those of you who do not know the luxury design house Hermès, they sell the Birkin Bag and other high price items. A silk scarf can sell anywhere from $115 to $7,250.
Oliver’s scarves displayed in the Smith Gallery depict Texas wildlife, Native Americans and key events in American history. Featured designs are “Faune et Flore du Texas,” “The Pony Express,” “Marquis De Lafayette,” “Madison Avenue,” “Pani la Shar Pawnee” and others.
In the back of the art center, the Bradley Hulse Gallery displayed Oliver’s paintings from his personal collection and others who have purchased his work.
Moveable white walls had a piece of art work on each side. This backroom was laid out beautifully because of the natural lighting and mazelike displays of the walls. Oliver’s art stares back at the viewer. The images of children with angels and animals were serene and peaceful.
Each portion of his paintings had its own dialogue going on. In “Untitled” (1975), each animal surrounding the child had its own emotion and role. I could have stared at this painting all day and I would have found something new each time. The Bradley Hulse Gallery was my favorite part of the exhibit because of this certain collection of paintings and their detail. The people inside the frames seemed oddly real and like they could hop out of the canvas after the gallery closed at night.
What made Oliver’s art and himself so intriguing was that he was incredibly humble about his talent. A man who can design for Hermès and show up to his postal job on Monday is something so mysterious that I don’t think an average person will ever be able to understand.
My words and camera could never capture Oliver’s symbolism hidden in his brushstrokes, so people will have to see his work in person. The Art Center Waco is holding the exhibit “New Narratives, New Beginnings” free to the public until Jan. 22.
