Aleksandra Panić with her paintings at the opening reception. Photo: Rachel Brandrick
Aleksandra Panić (pronounced Panich), a young Montreal artist, has ten works at Process Gallery in Gallery 1313. They fill the room with dark whimsy that captivates the viewers and also gives them the feeling of revisiting fairy tales from their childhood. The paintings are small, using oil on paper or on canvas and the colour palette remains somewhat constant, dominated by deep reds and soft greys. The figures seem animated in a unique world the artist has created. She is fascinated by this fantasy world of mystical figures with dark, haunted eyes and tiny limbs. This surrealistic touch makes the work even more appealing.
Aleksandra Panić, The white boats, oil on paper, 8 x 10 inches
As her statement reads, “I have been always interested in the dark side. Since I could remember myself I was fascinated by grim legends, fairy tales, ghost stories and mystery novels. Growing up, I kept wondering till what extend these stories were real, where the fantasy was ending, and the reality was beginning.
Aleksandra Panić, Dancing Souls, oil on canvas, 11 x 14 inches
Later on, all the ghosts, fairies and fantastic creatures that were surrounding me in my childhood found their reflection in my paintings. Through my spirits, ghosts and deities I am trying to explore controversial human nature, its duality, as well as the experiences and emotions we face during our life path. My artworks are some sort invitation to the viewer to take a journey inside his own soul.”
Aleksandra Panić, La Chien Rouge, oil on paper, 8 x 10 inches
I have seen Panić s work a few times now and I think she will become quite collectable and I look forward to seeing more work from her.
Phil Anderson
Images are courtesy of Gallery 1313
*Exhibition Information: July 18 – 29, 2018, Gallery 1313, Process Gallery, 1313 Queen Street West, Toronto. Gallery hours: Tue – Sun, 1 – 6 pm.