Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

A new series of large acrylic paintings by Gillian Redwood.
Soundscape created by solo acoustic guitarist Caelen LaRocque.

‘Triumph of Light’ presents two aspects of change: the triumph of new light and new growth as winter turns towards spring; and the triumph of truth over injustice and subversion. Many people have been overwhelmed by the tragedies unfolding over the past year and several of my paintings in this exhibit reflect that duality: the darkness of the season and the restrictive loss of personal liberty.

As spring approaches the perfume of an apple tree in bloom combined with a cascade of pink and white flowers gives the presence of the divine. This land is indeed blessed, and we can bathe in a view of abundance. There are times when the magic of a place, the mystery of a particular scent or colour pervades the senses.

Along the coast of Victoria and still in the district of Fairfield, Gonzales Bay delivers a long stretch of sand. The tide retreats leaving eddies and shallow pools where seabirds forage for grubs and skim the water surface searching for food. A seagull stirs up invertebrates and other small marine life paddling with its feet. Around 6pm the light is soft and warm giving a pink glow to the rocks and islands along the shoreline.

It is moments like these that are captured by a series of pastel sketches, and these form exploratory mark-making before painting. The sketches give colour and substance to a scene, and my memory provides the emotional and sensory aspects of breezes, scents, sounds and misty dampness.

Caelen LaRocque has created an audio track to support the visual aspect of this exhibit. Solo acoustic guitar ebbs and flows with wildlife and environmental sounds to create an atmospheric soundscape.

‘Triumph of Light’ will open on Saturday, April 3rd 11am - 4pm and continues Saturday and Sunday 11am - 4pm through April 18th at Xchanges Gallery, 2333 Government Street.
Private viewing can be arranged during weekdays.
Contact the artist: 778.967.1412

Online Artist Talk on Saturday, April 10th at 3:30pm.