The 90s, Olivier Salvas’ latest exhibition, hanging at Bean Hastings Gallery, is not just about a decade, it is an exhibition about a feeling – a feeling those of us of a certain age well remember.
The cultural spirit of the 1990s inspires the exhibition as it explores a time remembered for its boldness, optimism, playfulness, and unapologetic self-expression. Through vibrant colour, immersive installation, and large-scale abstract works, the Artist invites audiences into a world shaped by memory, colour, visibility, energy, joy, and pride.
While the exhibition triggers a sense of nostalgia, The 90s explores how shared cultural memories continue to shape identity, belonging, and the ways we connect with one another today. Rather than plucking specific moments, icons or memories from the decade, Salvas captures its emotional undercurrent. The neon hues, layered surfaces, rhythmic patterns, and dynamic compositions create an environment encouraging visitors to step inside the experience and feel its atmosphere, rather than simply observe it.
The exhibition becomes a space where:
Memory becomes collective.
Says Salvas, “the 1990s represent more than a period of time. They symbolize a cultural energy that continues to resonate across generations. Visitors may find echoes of childhood, music, fashion, television, early internet culture, community, or personal milestones. The works act as visual invitations, allowing each viewer to bring their own memories and associations into the space.”
Colour becomes language.
With fluorescent pinks, electric blues, vivid yellows, and saturated purples throughout the exhibition, colour functions as both material and message. Colour becomes a universal language capable of expressing experiences that words often cannot.
Pride becomes presence and visibility becomes celebration..
Presented during Pride Month, The 90s acknowledges the ongoing importance of representation, self-expression, and belonging. While not exclusively a queer exhibition, it reflects the cultural shifts that allowed more people to be seen, celebrated, and recognized for who they are. Woven throughout the exhibition, pride becomes not only a celebration of identity, but also an affirmation of presence and visibility.
Joy becomes immersion.
At its core, The 90s is an exploration of joy as a meaningful and transformative force, not simply the result of the experience—but the medium itself. By way of colour, movement, memory, and collective recognition, visitors are invited into an environment where optimism, play, and connection are treated as powerful cultural experiences.
Energy becomes movement.
The exhibition continues Salvas’ ongoing artistic exploration of identity, community, imagination, and belonging. Building upon themes found in previous bodies of work, The 90s shifts its energies toward an open and accessible experience that welcomes audiences from all backgrounds. Embracing the belief that art can exist beyond traditional barriers and become a shared cultural space where everyone is invited to participate.
Experience the The 90s state of mind as the exhibition continues, on display at Bean Hastings Gallery, the contemporary art gallery located within Bean Around the World Café, 175 W. Hastings @ Cambie Street. To find more information on the artists, Olivier Salvas, The 90s,or to purchase his works online visit oliviersalvas.com