Gallery Hopping

October 10, 2013

Autumn is the artworld’s peak performance period–here are a trio of shows I visited recently:

Over the weekend I had a chance to head up to North Bay to visit a couple of shows. Two artists included in the Wiki Show over the summer at Station Gallery were on display. On Saturday, Susan Farquhar’s show “Northern Currents” opened at the Joan Ferneyhough Gallery. Her richly textured works depict a Boreal beauty of another time. Originally from North Bay, Susan’s show fittingly celebrates her homecoming to the “Gateway to the North.” It was terrific revisiting works that were in the Wiki mix and seeing Susan’s creative process in her broader studio practice.

Erin Finley’s solo show was winding down at Line Gallery. Here too were some of Erin’s offerings from the Wiki Show, plus some intricate newer pieces. Finley’s finely-crafted figurative works pack quite a punch. I enjoy the push and pull of Erin’s subject matter–it simultaneously attracts and repels the viewer. Her illustrative drawings and mannerist distortions are flexible, even pliant. Anything can happen on her paper.

David Blackwood’s “Revelation” recently opened at Abbozzo Gallery at Toronto’s 401 Richmond complex. The artist was present at yesterday’s packed reception. This show adds new dimension and breadth to the understanding of Blackwood’s creative output. Widely known for his masterful printmaking, this show expands beyond serial production to include constructions with encaustic flourishes, paintings, drawings and watercolours. “Revelation” is a complex essay weaving Blackwood’s sustained motifs such as Ephraim Kelloway’s door, Maritime lore and nautical symbolism into a cohesive whole. Show continues until November 2 — not to be missed. Happy Thanksgiving!

David Blackwood and O