Oliver, Well-loved

Oliver, Well-Loved is a study in triptychs, artworks divided into three sections, and is inspired by Katja Kemnitz’s photo series Too Much Love. For my subject, I chose my sister’s favorite stuffed animal, a monkey named Oliver. When my sister Julia was seven, she spotted Oliver in a store and instantly fell in love, convincing my mom to buy him after much pleading. From that day on, they were inseparable, sleeping, playing, and even traveling the world together. The years of snuggles compacted, and over time, Oliver’s once-fluffy fur became matted and his stuffing compressed. I depicted Oliver in three stages of his life: brand new, slightly worn, and well-loved. The piece focuses on texture and shading to reflect the passage of time and the lasting bond between a child and their cherished companion.