Discover Oliver Suri-Cernacek’s Bold Vision: Support Emerging Fashion Artists Now
Discover Oliver Suri-Cernacek’s bold vision and take a closer look at how storytelling, fashion, and diasporic memory intersect in one of Montreal’s most exciting multidisciplinary practices. Through his brand OSČ and artist collective Untold, Oliver is reclaiming erased histories and creating new narratives through garments, photos, videos, and more.
August Client of the Month: Oliver Suri-Cernacek
Oliver Suri-Cernacek is the founder and creative director of OSČ – a clothing brand focused on storytelling through textile – and of Untold – a multidisciplinary artist collective based in Montreal. His work merges textile thinking with visual storytelling, using fashion as both sculptural expression and archival tool to explore history and diasporic memory.
Presented in runway shows and magazine publications, Oliver’s practice blurs the line between fashion, performance, and image-making. His latest project, Untold Cowboy, investigates the overlooked histories of Black and Indigenous cowboys in Canada through a multidisciplinary lens: garments, photographs, video work, and a limited-edition print magazine.
Getting Started
When did you start your artistic journey and what were some of your goals when you started?
“I’ve always been a creative person, but my artistic journey truly began during the pandemic when I started teaching myself how to sew,” says Oliver. “My goal was to learn how to make clothing that could tell compelling stories. Fashion became a way to weave together stories through craft while collaborating with other creatives who shared that vision.”
Current Stage & Milestones
What stage are you at now? What have been your greatest achievements?
Oliver is currently in the pre-startup phase—slowly but steadily launching his brand, OSČ. This phase involves laying the groundwork, refining his design language, and building momentum one project at a time.
“One of my proudest achievements is Untold Cowboy: a multidisciplinary project that reclaims and creatively reimagines the erased histories of Black and Indigenous cowboys in Canada.”
On August 27th, he will publicly showcase this project at Foil Gallery through a photo exhibition, garment installation, video screening, and the launch of his first print magazine. Oliver also recently presented his collection in three runway shows—an exciting milestone in his journey as a designer.
Facing Challenges
What were/are your biggest struggles?
“One of my biggest ongoing struggles is learning how to sustain a creative practice without being consumed by it,” Oliver admits. “The emotional and time investment can be intense, and I often find myself neglecting other parts of my life in the process.”
He also faced challenges accessing resources and support: “As an emerging creative, it’s been difficult to find the networks, funding, and mentorship I need. I’ve often felt like I had to figure things out alone—which can be isolating. That’s why building a team you trust is so important.”
Finding YES
What was the problem you were experiencing before you came into YES?
Before connecting with YES, Oliver was struggling to fund his creative projects sustainably. “I had ideas and direction, but I lacked access to concrete tools, financial resources, and professional support systems that could help me bring those ideas to life,” he explains.
He was also seeking mentorship that understood the unique intersection of fashion and art—something he hadn’t found elsewhere.
Growth Through Coaching
What did you find as a result of using our services? What was the best thing about it?
“Working with YES gave me a much clearer understanding of the grant funding landscape and how to navigate it,” says Oliver. “Through one-on-one coaching, I was able to sharpen my project management skills and learn how to pitch my work in a way that reflects both intention and viability.”
The personalized support and actionable advice made a real difference in moving his practice forward.
Support That Matters
How do you feel about the service you have received from YES?
“The support I’ve received from YES has been incredibly helpful and affirming,” Oliver shares. “My artist business coach provided insight, encouragement, and practical tools that helped me move forward with confidence. It means a lot to have someone believe in the potential of my work and help shape it.”
Final Thoughts
Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share?
“I’m deeply grateful for organizations like YES that meet emerging creatives where they’re at,” says Oliver. “Having access to this kind of support as I launch my brand has helped me feel less alone in the process—and more equipped to build something that lasts.”
For more information on Oliver, click here.
To learn more about our services for Artists, click here.