Magnétisme 4, detail, 76 x 76 x 35 cm
November 15 – December 9, 2012
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 15, 6 – 9 p.m. – Artist in attendance
Screening of In Her Blacksmith Eye: November 15, 7 p.m. at Cooperage space
THOMPSON LANDRY GALLERY
The Distillery District
Stone Distillery Space
55 Mill Street, Building 5, #102
Toronto, Ontario, M5A 3C4
Tel: 416.364.4955
E-mail:info@thompsonlandry.com
www.thompsonlandry.com
Hours: Tues–Sat 11-6, Sun 12-5
Thompson Landry Gallery proudly presents their solo exhibition, Magnétisme by acclaimed artist, Marie-Josée Roy. Magnétisme explores the universal forces that hold various elements together on earth. For Magnetisme, metal etching, ink transfers, welding with metal rods, and bronze and chrome plating are the vehicles for this exploration. These elements, combined with a little chance, common within her chosen medium, evolve into exquisite figural forms and representations. It is Magnétisme that pulls Roy’s work into existence, and the same force that effortlessly draws the viewer in.
Roy first gained popularity in Quebec’s underground art scene with her standout forged iron sculptures. Roy sees metal as part of her, like a second skin or a shield. Using techniques ranging from image transfer, painting, etching, plating, welding, and engraving, she transforms this cool metallic medium with meticulous detail and experience into warm, intricate and creative works.
Working as both a painter and sculptor, Roy seeks to express and contemplate the complex duality present in each of us. Her work shows scenes of masculine and feminine, strength and vulnerability, growth and decay, whimsy and pain, even fear and transcendence. Using heat and fire, Roy’s pieces tell stories that embrace the fantastic, folklore, and dreamlike imagery of characters in transition: bodies who exist somewhere between the human form and foliage. Roy and collaborator, Jerome Prieur’s new series raises questions into what connects us to each other, nature, and the universe. Contemplating the cycling between life and death, Roy believes it is this constant transitioning that binds us together.