For immediate release:
An unexpected diversion of rush-hour traffic through an opulent Baroque palace, summertime picnickers reveling in a Berlin beer-garden beside a river, and a humble English domestic interior with dog-eared books and rumpled cushions, are just some of the images to be found in Val Nelson’s show of new paintings opening at Bau-Xi Gallery, Vancouveron May 3rd, 2014. Of her work the artist says, “These are not strategically political or conceptual paintings—they are an embodiment of my affection for the world.”
Working with photographic snapshots from her travels, in her painting process Nelson combines bold gestural mark-making with soulful, meanderingly intimate, levels of observation and care in translating the complexities and correspondences between objects within space and time. The work pays homage to 19th century realist painters such as Adolph von Menzel and Edouard Manet, and more contemporary practitioners of drawing––Ann Kipling and Cy Twombly. Employing control and chance, Nelson choreographs a dynamic interweaving of collisions, diversions, and quietude in colour, brush-stroke, line, smudge, and form, connecting to her background as a ballet dancer.
Opening reception: May 3, from 2 to 4 pm, Artist in attendance.
For high resolution jpegs please contact Pennylane Shen: 604-733-7011
Bau-xi Gallery, 3045 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC