The Poetry of Life: A Still Life Group Exhibition
June 04 - June 22, 2022
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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.