Explore the Oliva Museum

Discover the artistic journey of Cesare Oliva through various captivating periods.

Art that inspires and transforms.

Welcome to Oliva Museum

Though born in 1953 in Cesa, Italy, Cesare grew up in a world where the scars of World War II were still visible, especially in places like Naples, Gaeta, Aversa, and Monte Cassino. While he did not directly experience the war, its remnants shaped the landscape of his early years.

At just 17 months old, Cesare moved with his parents to Venezuela, following his grandfather, an entrepreneur who was investing in commercial ventures and importing 'Made in Italy' products to Caracas. Venezuela became his second home, a place of vibrant culture and political upheaval under the dictatorship of Pérez Jiménez and the rising tensions of the Cuban Revolution. During his early childhood years, he also made several trips back to Italy, returning frequently to his hometown of Cesa, which allowed him to experience both his Italian roots and the dynamic changes in Venezuela."

Young Cesare Oliva grew up in the 1970s-80s in Caracas, among intellectuals, writers, artists, and politicians exiled from Latin American dictatorships, along with their children, in a burgeoning cultural landscape. Days were spent in cafés, immersed in discussions on social, artistic, political, and cultural themes, while evenings unfolded in dimly lit rooms, surrounded by the brilliance of minds, debating the future, the past, and the soul of art. These moments—filled with heated debates and the exchange of ideas—became the foundation of Cesare’s own artistic journey.

Cesare's childhood and youth were shaped by a blend of cultures, moving between Venezuela, Italy, and later Canada.

Explore the artistic journey of Cesare Oliva through ten unique periods, showcasing his evolution and creative expressions in a beautiful online experience.

He also spent several formative years in Rome during the 1960s, and later in both Rome and the San Felice del Circeo area throughout the 1970s and 1980s, where he established his studio. In 1987, he returned to San Felice with his wife and children, continuing his artistic work until his return to Canada in 1989. This nomadic lifestyle has provided him with a distinctive perspective, allowing him to absorb diverse artistic and intellectual influences from across multiple continents."

Canada eventually became another important chapter in his life, but even while living there, he frequently returned to Italy. His experiences across South America, Europe, and North America created a rich tapestry of artistic inspiration, where each place left an indelible mark on his creative journey.

His life, though spread across three continents, was never still. Each place shaped his artistic vision: the post-war echoes of Italy, the revolutionary energy of Venezuela, and the structured dynamism of Canada. These diverse environments infused his work with a sense of movement, contrast, and depth.

Over the years, Cesare developed multiple artistic styles and conducted extensive research, leading to the creation of two manifestos that defined different phases of his work. His artistic language, constantly evolving, reflects his deep engagement with form, color, and the hidden tensions within composition.

Since 1996, Cesare has lived permanently in Florence, where he has finally found a stable home. There, alongside his wife, a writer, and their three children, he has built a life dedicated to his art. In his Florentine studio, he continues his creative journey, exploring new artistic horizons while remaining deeply connected to the influences that shaped him.

Through every transition, Cesare Oliva remained committed to his vision, capturing the essence of a world in flux. His was a life marked by constant movement, yet always rooted in the moments of reflection—whether in a Caracas atelier, a Roman studio, or amidst the natural beauty of the Circeo. In his paintings, the echoes of his past blend with the colors of his present, telling the story of an artist shaped by history, identity, and the ceaseless search for meaning.

1974 Painting on the Güiria River, Venezuela