Duhamel left France before his 20th birthday for extensive travels in Europe, in Africa and in the South Pacific. He arrived in New Zealand with his wife in 1986 and led a successful 15 year career as a software engineer until 2002 at which time he resumed his artistic pursuits.

A self taught hobbyist and long time recreational draughtsman Duhamel had been a student of Chrystèle Legardinier (etching on copper plates – 1985) and of David Reid (sculptor and founder -2006). He has been a member of the Catherine Mitchell Life Drawing group since 2004.

His principal inspiration is the female nude which he depicts using graphite pencil on paper with great attention to details. Since 2006, Olivier Duhamel also makes small figurative bronze sculptures. The rapid success of these classical and elegant figurines convinced him to become a full time sculptor.

Like few other sculptors, Olivier Duhamel casts his bronze himself in his workshop. This allows him to keep full control over the entire creative process. He prides himself on the quality of his castings.

Olivier Duhamel’ s creations do not convey any particular message, do not attempt any conceptual or symbolist exploration, nor do they search to be innovative at all cost. They are rather trying to simply capture the beauty and sensuality of his subjects.

His bronze works are sold in galleries across New Zealand and in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Paris and Nantes.