Thursday, May 8, 2014, 6 – 9 p.m.
Angell Gallery
A painting-focused group exhibition curated by Kim Dorland I ♥ Paint is a refreshing island in the ocean of Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.
I love paintings too. After about 20-30 years when conceptual and installation art dominated the artistic world, painting came back into focus in the 1990s with artists like Daniel Richter, Eric Fischl or Peter Doig. Through the last ten years or so painting regained its importance and became a leading medium again. Kim Dorland, who had an amazing show in the McMichael Canadian Art Collection (You are here: Kim Dorland and the return to painting), also wanted to curate a painting exhibition. He has nurtured the idea for a while then started to talk about it to other painters and they passsed the world down until 18 artists got together from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, London, Dublin, Berlin and New York for this exhibition.
Artist Kim Dorland and his painting Bay Blanket #2
“I wanted to bring together a group of people immersed in the medium of my obsession to create a dialogue about paint – across different styles, approaches and career levels – that showcases the medium’s possibilities. No matter the battle cry of the moment, these painters show that painting is alive and well, current, compelling and relevant”, said Dorland in his curatorial letter. And indeed the works are very different.
Artist Bradley Wood (right) and his painting Cigar Room
Echo Eggebrecht, Bird and Music
Jeanie Riddle, Spill (Pinks)
At the Opening Reception the gallery was packed to its capacity and the guests were very exited about the works on display.
Many of the artists were in attendence, while others from far away places couldn’t make it.
Artist Gavin Lynch with Lake of the woods (Midnight Version)
The show is a success. As Gallery Associate, Emma Clough told us, they sold a few pieces already at the opening. Gavin Lynch, Lake of the woods (Midnight Version) was the first among them and they sold three more of his paintings by now. It seems that this exhibition could be a turning point for the Ottawa based artist in his carrier, making him famous. There is a remarkable collection of paintings in this exhibition both figurative and abstract. The prices are very affordable and it is a good time to buy from these artists since many of them will make it in the art market and soon.
Painting is really “alive and well” at Angell Gallery.
Text: Emese Krunák-Hajagos
Photo: Summer Sun
*Exhibition information: May 8 – June 7, 2014, Angell Gallery, 12 Ossington Avenue, Toronto. Gallery hours: Wed – Sat 12 – 5 p.m.