The Art of Constructivism
Paintings by Waldemar Smolarek (z’l)
Opening: Thur Apr 19, 2012 • 7-9 pm
The late artist’s son Peter will attend
Exhibit continues to Sun May 13
Waldemar Smolarek explored every aspect of the Constructivist Movement through his use of colour, texture and form. With his varied brushstroke, architectural shapes and animated mark making, he imprinted his own style onto the canvas, expanding his understanding and appreciation of Abstract Constructivism. The paintings in this exhibit are mostly drawn from his more recent works which were completed in Canada.
Smolarek was born in Poland in 1937. His love for art started at an early age with an interest in metalwork and painting. He took art classes in the Praga District of Warsaw in the 1950’s where he first became interested in the Constructivist style. He studied at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts and the College of Vincent Sliwinski where he later became a teacher. His art was exhibited in Poland, Europe and North America between 1958 and 1967. He was an active participant in public, informal and independent exhibitions at the Barbakan in Old Town Warsaw from 1962-67. From Poland, he moved to Sweden and then to Canada in the 70’s. Waldemar Smolarek painted voraciously and continued to exhibit internationally until 2008, two years before his death. The Art Barbakan is celebrated annually in Warsaw with exhibitions throughout the city, honouring the artists who began the movement 60 years ago. Waldemar Smolarek is one of these artists.
Part of the proceeds from this exhibit’s art sales will be donated to the Gallery.
‘Celebrating Jerusalem’ is presented by the Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery in collaboration with Festival Ha’Rikud, an Israeli dance festival. Through dance, the choreographers and performers will illuminate their interpretation and celebration of this multi-faceted city. Themes include ‘Landscape’, ‘Seasons’, ‘Quarters’ (Jerusalem is divided into four quarters, Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian), ‘Ancient Sites’ and the ‘Shuk’ or open market.
The Essence of Jazz
Mixed Media by Yuri Elperin
Opening: Thur June 14, 2012 • 7-9 pm
Artist in attendance • Free Admission
Exhibit continues to Sun July 8
Yuri Elperin’s paintings are inspired by jazz improvisation. He works on a large scale, filling his canvases with brilliantly coloured shapes and tangles. Behind the layers of spirited lines and frenzied marks are hints of sensual shapes dancing across the shallow space.
Each artwork is named after the musical composition which inspired it. Of music’s instantaneousness, Elperin explains, “When we listen to music, subconscious images may form in our mind. These images are transient, often disappearing when the music ends. What I am trying to do is catch these ghostly images and project them through my interpretation on canvas.” He calls his style of Expressionism, ‘Ghost Trance Lyrical Abstraction.’
Born in Riga, Latvia, Yuri was introduced to art at an early age, beginning with sculpture. He worked with a variety of media including paint, wood and metal. As a teenager he studied in Riga at an academy for young artists and later at the Riga Art Academy. He created numerous abstract sculptures, installations and paintings. However, Abstract Expressionism was not accepted by the communist regime. The art form was considered “capitalistic pathology" and was not allowed to be displayed in public; consequently he sold his art privately. His experience of harsh art censorship did not make him lose faith in the power of art to communicate.
In 1978, Elperin moved to Canada. In 1982, he set up a commercial photo, film and video production studio in Vancouver. He became known for his experimentation with multi-hued Abstract Expressionism which he applied to his photography and cinematography. In 1999 he closed his studio and dedicated himself fully to his artwork, realizing his lifelong dream.
Forest, Field and Shore
Paintings by Anita Edwards, Melanie Fogell and Sylvia Oates
Opening: Thur July 12, 2012 • 7-9 pm
Artists in attendance • Free Admission
Exhibit continues to Sun July 29
These three painters share a deep love and appreciation of nature. They find their inspiration in the west coast landscape in all its variety. They strive to capture the spirit of the forest, the vibrancy of the fields and the rhythm of the sea. The artists hope that the viewers will be enthused by the artwork and energized to journey through nature’s beauty.
Melanie’s mixed media works combine handmade papers with acrylic medium to create prismatic reflections of nature in all its facets.
Anita’s deep rich colours and geometric brushstrokes come together in burnished mosaics of forest rhapsodies.
Sylvia seeks to reveal the light in the darkness of the forest, and the fertile, changeable energy of seashore and estuary. All three artists work out of Parker Street Studios and participate in the Eastside Culture Crawl each November.
Gallery Rentals
Symphony of Colours
Paintings by Luis Guincher
Opening Reception Thur Aug 2, 2012
Exhibit continues to Sun Aug 19
Watercolours
by George Vamos (z’l)
Opening Reception Thur Aug 23, 2012
Exhibit continues to Sun Sept 9
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