In The Frame: Oliver Sim
British singer and guitarist Oliver Sim is a cultural lightening rod. On the heels of releasing his new solo song, Obsession, The xx band member riffs on cinematic photography, morning gym laps and ancient mineral forms
Portrait of Oliver Sim by Sharna Osborne. Right: An ancient gogotte mineral from Fontainebleau, selected by Sim for its beguiling form
What are you working on currently?
Oliver Sim: ‘I’m in between working on my solo project and The XX. I feel like both projects require different sides of me so it’s been fun to do them in tandem.’
What ritual or routine keeps you going?
OS: ‘Any opportunity to cosplay as a ‘9-to-5-er’ does me good. I don’t think my job necessarily suits my personality type; I find it hard to be creative without some form of orderliness. So, going to the gym every weekday morning, as small as it is, makes me understand where I am and what I’m doing.’
What work of art made you see things differently?
OS: ‘Philip Lorca DiCorcia’s Hustlers series consistently comes up when brainstorming imagery. It’s so cinematic, each photo tells a story.’
Which artist or designer from history do you wish you knew more about?
OS: ‘I became a real fan of George Michael’s after his passing so I’m still playing catch up. Every new bit of music or interview I discover I fall more in love with him. I wish I knew so much more, he’s fascinating.’
What artists or designers are you excited about right now?
OS: ‘Jonathan Anderson’s first show at Dior felt like witnessing some special happening. I feel like new and exciting things are happening there.’
Your favorite view, anywhere in the world?
OS: ‘Seeing Battersea Power Station on a horizon makes me feel comforted. It’s something I grew up with. I live on the other side of the river now, so I usually just see it when visiting my dad in south London.’
Most memorable art or design show you’ve seen in the past year?
OS: ‘The Peter Hujar exhibition at Ravens Row. I loved seeing his relationship with New York of that time, the people in it and his love of animals. It’s my favourite thing I’ve seen this year by far, I went four times.’
George Rouy (b. 1994), Face Study I, 2025. Acrylic on canvas. 21¾ x 17⅞ in (55.2 x 45.5cm). Estimate on request
What are your top picks from Christie’s right now?
OS: ‘George Rouy is an exciting name coming out of London. And this ancient gogotte mineral formation looks almost futuristic, it’s as fascinating as it is weird.’
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