Olivier Arsene Ganthier, known as OliGa, is a Haitian visual artist and designer. His figurative work consists of portraits, afro-pop characters, and motifs, which draw inspiration from his Afro-Haitian culture, tropical and urban life, and aim to spread positivity through happiness, peace, love, and success. While some of his characters are his creations, others are hybrid versions of existing pop culture icons.
OliGa works with various mediums, including spray paint, digital art, acrylic paint, and markers. He began his artistic journey early in his dad's studio and later pursued formal training at the ENARTS in Haiti. He has also participated in workshops both in Haiti and abroad.
OliGa has collaborated with several companies, including Lyft, Macmillan, Unilever Heineke, Impact 13 of JHarden, and F. Barbancourt. The illustrator of the book "I Want to Ride the Tap Tap", created the artwork on the limited edition Prestige beer can and painted an art car for Mazda in Auto Expo Haiti. His work has been exhibited in galleries and fairs and is held in the permanent collection of the US Embassy in Haiti.
The artist has created custom artworks for individual celebrities such as Colombian reggaeton singer J Balvin, Afro singer Mr. Eazi, Tennis Player Naomi Osaka, and comedian Rachid Badouri. In addition to his artistic pursuits, OliGa has launched the #tireartchallenge in Haiti, which aims to provide an art alternative to violent protests and tire burning. He also co-launched the first Haitian Street Art and Graffiti Festival "Festi Graffiti", followed by graffiti and stencil classes at le Centre d'art.
OliGa has participated in a street art residency in California and painted a mural in the Wynwood Art District. His work has been part of an art auction with Paddle 8 and The Art Plug. He continues to create digital art, paintings, and street art murals while collaborating commercially with brands and companies, primarily on limited-edition clothing, custom art, and other products.
References
OliGa (@oligarts) • Instagram