The Poetry of Life: A Still Life Group Exhibition

June 04 - June 22, 2022

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 4, 2022: 2-5 PM
Magenta peonies, bisected fruit, and an elongated vase full of peaches illuminated by warm sunlight… Stilleven, the Dutch translation for “Still-Life”. All images that have been encapsulated within western art history since the 16th century. Still-life art illustrates the configuration of innate objects crafted by humans and collected from nature. The popularity of still-life paintings has been widely contested throughout western history. However, one could argue the invaluable quality contemporary still-life artworks can offer. “The Poetry of Life” is an exhibition that begs the question: in a world navigating rapid technological change, what would it mean to slow down and visually consume seemingly uninspiring objects found within the everyday? As Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor and philosopher) did maintain, one should find beauty in the mundane, in everyday objects and you will find happiness; find the poetry in life and mediate on it.

The act of viewing, observing and contemplating still-life art encompasses an act of mindfulness, through the slowing-down and drawing attention to observable brush strokes, varied colour schemes, and sophisticated compositions. The visual deconstruction of inanimate objects transforms our knowledge of the everyday, reminding us that life can be extraordinary. Featured works by Simon Andrew, Walter Bachinski, Gary Cody, Jennifer Hornyak, Robert Lemay, Leslie Poole, Dorothy Knowles and more.

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 4, 2022: 2-5 PM
Magenta peonies, bisected fruit, and an elongated vase full of peaches illuminated by warm sunlight… Stilleven, the Dutch translation for “Still-Life”. All images that have been encapsulated within western art history since the 16th century. Still-life art illustrates the configuration of innate objects crafted by humans and collected from nature. The popularity of still-life paintings has been widely contested throughout western history. However, one could argue the invaluable quality contemporary still-life artworks can offer. “The Poetry of Life” is an exhibition that begs the question: in a world navigating rapid technological change, what would it mean to slow down and visually consume seemingly uninspiring objects found within the everyday? As Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor and philosopher) did maintain, one should find beauty in the mundane, in everyday objects and you will find happiness; find the poetry in life and mediate on it.

The act of viewing, observing and contemplating still-life art encompasses an act of mindfulness, through the slowing-down and drawing attention to observable brush strokes, varied colour schemes, and sophisticated compositions. The visual deconstruction of inanimate objects transforms our knowledge of the everyday, reminding us that life can be extraordinary. Featured works by Simon Andrew, Walter Bachinski, Gary Cody, Jennifer Hornyak, Robert Lemay, Leslie Poole, Dorothy Knowles and more.

bouquet, flowers, plein-air, in situ, red geranium
bouquet, flowers, plein-air, in situ, red flowers, green leaves, lighting
bouquet, flowers, plein-air, in situ, pear, still life, sketch
bouquet, flowers, plein-air, in situ, red flowers, edible, shadow, off centre
Purple flowers and green leaves in a vase against a soft green background, lilac
flowers, realism, Canadian art, renaissance, contemporary art, Alberta artist
flowers, realism, Canadian art, renaissance, contemporary art, Alberta artist
still life, anemones, cards, oranges, fruit, vase, Ontario artist, soft, black, table
still life, anemones, impressionism, flowers, floating, vase, Ontario artist, bouquet, lilies, pastel colours, pink, mixed bouquet
still life, anemones, impressionism, flowers, floating, vase, Ontario artist
silver, still life, abstraction, steel
still life, floral, Montreal artist, flowers, impressionism, Canadian art, oil painting, floral, flowers, figure, figurative, landscape
still life, impressionism, Canadian art, oil painting, floral, flowers, figure, figurative, landscape
still life, impressionism, Canadian art, oil painting, floral, flowers, figure, figurative, landscape
still life, impressionism, Canadian art, oil painting, floral, flowers, figure, figurative, landscape
still life, impressionism, Canadian art, oil painting, floral, flowers, figure, figurative, landscape
still life, impressionism, Canadian art, oil painting, floral, flowers, figure, figurative, landscape