In The Frame: Oliver Sim

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.’

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.’