About

M. Aurora Oliva is a Filipino-American artist.  She immigrated to the United States with her parents in the 1980's.  Aurora grew up and was educated in New Jersey. As a child and young adult she was creative and was never far from a museum. An idealist, she pursued a  professional career in nonprofit including working at a national women's organization in New York City and fundraising for local and national environmental groups in Portland, Oregon. 

Self-taught, Aurora paints in both abstract and representational art. She loves bright colors and is comforted by patterns. However, her interest lies when the patterns are broken.

Her favorite artists include Frida Kahlo, Faith Ringgold, Kehinde Whiley and the quilters of Gee's Bend. "Their works are a marriage of beauty and social commentary. I am always in awe."

Aurora resides in Oregon where the rain and coffee makes everyone crafty and creative. "There must be something in the water. The trees, wetlands and beavers keep me grounded."