In an Ottawa Exhibition, Three Emerging Canadian Artists Rethink What Painting Means in a Digital Age
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Loading... - Noah Janssen
- 06 Jun 2023
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Introducing: Studio Sixty Six in Ottawa is currently hosting an exhibition titled "Constructed Truths: Alexandra Flood, Andrew Morrow, and Atticus Gordon." Renowned for nurturing and showcasing local artistic talent, the gallery continues this tradition with the present show, featuring three artists based in the Canadian capital. Running until June 30, 2023, this exhibition coincides with the gallery's 10-year anniversary since its establishment. Flood draws inspiration from a diverse range of media and materials, spanning American pop culture to art history, resulting in captivating and abstract compositions. Gordon explores the boundaries of painting and representation, crafting otherworldly vignettes that delve into the subjectivity of contemporary existence. Lastly, Morrow's paintings offer alternative perspectives and expansions on the current state of figurative art, drawing from the historical lineage of the genre. Collectively, these works featured in the exhibition, both individually and collectively, delve into the role of painting in our technologically-driven and digitally-dominated era.
Why We Find It Captivating: The "Constructed Truths" exhibition not only showcases the unique painting practices of each artist but also demonstrates a thematic coherence that reflects a broader trend or movement in the art world. This trend responds to the current times and the evolving visual culture, specifically the expansive influence of digital media. As one of the oldest forms of artistic expression, painting finds itself situated at a revolutionary crossroads, and the featured artists each engage with contemporary life and experiences in diverse ways. However, they share a common foundation rooted in the fundamental principles of the medium. For example, Morrow's piece, "Exactly What I Had in Mind" (2023), pays homage to the historical genre of nude painting but incorporates a distinct contemporary execution and composition. On the other hand, Gordon's "Landscape Aberration" (2023) conjures a dreamscape and employs the "photobashing" technique, blending various images together. In contrast to these more representational compositions, Flood's "Delivery System IV" (2023) adds an expressive element to the exhibition, conveying emotions and reflecting the current cultural milieu through color and brushstrokes.
Insights from the Gallery: "Alexandra Flood, Atticus Gordon, and Andrew Morrow all share a passion for creating expressive marks through painting. Each artist utilizes emotive and deliberate brushwork to construct sophisticated visual narratives for the digital era. Visitors to the Constructed Truths exhibition are encouraged to contemplate the questions that inspired the artists during their creative process: How does a digital image evoke feelings? What does it mean to pose for a portrait over Zoom? And what happens when we disconnect from our smartphones, reference points, and immerse ourselves in the pure luxury of color?" —Victoria Solan
