“Nothing is more beautiful than our Mother Earth and everyone must take part in preserving it. Art is a fantastic tool to pass this message.” – Olivia d’Aboville 

French Filipino artist Olivia d’Aboville is a name that resonates in the world of textile art. With a degree in textile design from ESAA Duperré in Paris, she has carved a niche for herself through intricate works that go beyond the confines of a normal canvas. By using natural fibers like Philippine abaca and silk, as well as recycled and upcycled materials as her medium, Olivia creates unique masterpieces driven by her deep commitment to environmental awareness.  

Olivia’s passion for art began early. She recalled taking art classes when she was four and eventually met her first art teacher who remains to be her inspiration. Growing up in a creative environment and the beautiful waters of Mindoro, she experimented with colors and textures, which laid the foundation for her future in textile art. Her fascination with textile art deepened during her studies in Paris, where she was captivated by her fellow students’ creations in tapestry, embroidery, and weaving.  

Olivia d’Aboville’s works featured in ABS-CBN Foundation’s E-cards

Untitled (Blue Silk)  

Her affinity for blue, a recurring color in her pieces, is vibrantly executed in Untitled (Blue Silk). Before having the courage to use brighter colors, blue used to be a go-to in her monochrome works as it brings her serenity and comfort.  

Fields of Color VII  

The warmth of motherhood brought a new perspective to Olivia’s artistic journey. During her pregnancy with her second child, she began to embrace brighter, bolder colors, a shift beautifully illustrated in Fields of Color VII. 

Impressions of Landscapes

Olivia’s works are often characterized by their abstract and tactile quality, inspired by landscapes and memories. Impressions of Landscapes is a textile painting made with silk that resembles paintbrush strokes, like how she imagined during the process. The piece’s beautiful colors were inspired by Olivia’s childhood memories of Puerto Galera and French gardens in full bloom. 

Serengeti, National Park, Tanzania

During the pandemic, Olivia created Serengeti, National Park, Tanzania, a print of stunning photographs of wildlife and landscapes on abaca—a material native to the Philippines and hallmark of her creations. As she juxtaposes scenes of nature, she was reminded of the urgency of global challenges, and now hopes this serves as her plea for our collective action to address it. 

Untitled (Over the Hills)

Her approach in the piece, Untitled (Over the Hills) further reflects her broader philosophy of sustainability. She breathed new life to abstract landscapes by using leftover abaca from her previous projects.  

Having exhibited and commissioned her works in prestigious venues globally, Olivia remains grounded, driven by a simple desire: for the world to remember her as a good mom.  

No matter what medium, Olivia reminds us that beauty and responsibility can co-exist, leading to a brighter and more sustainable future. 

Olivia’s textile paintings are featured in ABS-CBN Foundation’s E-cards that you can give to your family, friends, and loved ones. Share love and art by contributing to the foundation’s various advocacies focused on children’s rights and development, disaster management, sustainable livelihood, environmental stewardship, and education. 

Get Olivia d’Aboville’s E-cards here: https://www.abs-cbnfoundation.org/ecards/