FERNAND ALLARD L'OLIVIER

After studying engraving and painting in Tornai and Brussels, Olivier continued his training in Paris. Jean-Paul Laurens taught him the techniques for making large ornamental works and Adler, the realist painter, was also a great influence on him. He started exhibiting in 1910 at the Paris salons. After World War I, he became successful in both Belgium and France, but instead of settling down to an official career, he preferred to travel in Europe, Algeria and Tunisia.

In 1928 he left for the Belgian Congo. In 1929, Isy Brachot held an important show Allard L'Olivier au Congo in his Brussels gallery. Of great originality, these pictures, as well as the large decorative panels shown at the 1930 International Exhibition in Antwerp and 1931 Colonial Exhibition in Paris, confirmed Olivier's place as leader of the Belgian Africanist movement. In December 1932, he returned to the Congo, but died accidentally seven months later. He is buried there.

Kiyu Agricole Oil on canvas 100 x 80 cm, 39 x 32 in

Study for Femme Mutusi 1930 International Exhibition, Antwerp Watercolour on paper 55 x 33 cm, 22 x 13 in

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