Hutchinson / Ochoa Opening Reception at Angell Gallery

Opening Reception: Friday, August 22, 2014 / 6 – 9 p.m.
Angell Gallery

The opening reception at Angell Gallery featured two exhibitions: When The Lighthouse is Dark Between Flashes by Canadian artist Daniel Hutchinson and Overwrought by Toronto artist Rafael Ochoa.

Artists Daniel Hutchinson and Rafael Ochoa conversing with Guests.

The front room of Angell Gallery holds the works of Rafael Ochoa. His digital paintings, showcasing the complexities and beauty of nature, are lit by the natural light coming in from the large front window, which creates a bright and comfortable space. Ochoa’s paintings invoke aspects of traditional art historical pieces; one can easily see the connection to Baroque modeling and Dutch still-life, especially in Autumn Quinces, Ochoa’s first digital print. The gallery’s high white walls and concrete floor provide a perfect, subtle, backdrop for the colorful paintings done by Ochoa.

Installation view with Rafael Ochoa’s Rafael Ochoa, Man with a Black Hat (left) and 7 Squashes (right).

Artist Rafael Ochoa with his work, 7 Squashes.

Guest with Rafael Ochoa’s Woman with Radicchio.

The main gallery space, with the large white walls lit by spotlight, creates an open atmosphere for the dark abstract paintings of Daniel Hutchinson. Hutchinson’s work often draws inspiration from the universe; the works’ titles reflect their associations with the macrocosm and the materials used. His circular works, such as Painting for a Frame (As Molecular Cloud), create almost a black-hole effect against the blank wall, one that pulls the viewer in forcing a closer inspection of the lines, brush strokes, and manipulation of light. All of his works incorporate the use of light and the gallery’s open space and track lighting really permits Hutchinson’s work to showcase its dynamic energy.

Installation View with (from left to right): Painting For Two Sterling Boards, Painting For a Picture Frame (As Lunar Streamers),  Painting For A Frame (As Molecular Cloud).

Artist Daniel Hutchinson with Painting for A Sterling Board (As Chiral Symmetry). 

Guest with Daniel Hutchinson, Painting for Electric Light (X-Painting).

Daniel Hutchinson, Painting For Electric Light Solar Winds.

The opening event felt like a reunion; many times throughout the evening both artists said, “hello” to colleagues and friends. The opening at the Angell Gallery felt small and comfortable, casual and elegant. Hutchinson was even accompanied by his wife and young son, a few others brought their children, and many came with friends. The tight-knit familiarity made the evening an ebullient one at the Angell Gallery.

Artist Daniel Hutchinson with guests.

Text and photo: Brinae Bain

*Exhibition information: Daniel Hutchinson: When The Lighthouse is Dark Between Flashes  and Rafael Ochoa: Overwrought, August 22 – September 27, 2014,  Angell Gallery, 12 Ossington Avenue, Toronto. Gallery hours: Wed – Sat, 12 – 5 p.m.