This month's show at the Foyer Gallery is a visually beguiling exploration of polar opposites. Entitled Black + White, the expos茅 features over 40 Sea to Sky Corridor and Vancouver artists creating a bold array of absolutes: sculpture, photography, ceramics, collage, glass, drawings, jewelry, watercolour, acrylic and oil paintings.
When you take colour out of the equation - in theory simplifying the process - you strengthen the focus on values, textures, composition and movement. While viewing this diverse collection of achromatic works, the outcome may be audacious and tense, or subtle and delicate, depending on the juxtaposing tones or the use of gradations.
This show is sure to induce the most highly debated issue about colour: Are black and white colours? Ask a scientist and you'll get the physics reply: "Black is not a colour, white is a colour." Ask an artist and you'll get another: "Black is a colour, white is not."
Colour or not, the non-spectral contrast of this classic combination, inspired by nature and reinterpreted through the centuries, has influenced design, fashion and most definitely art. It's Black + White.
With formal training through Vancouver Community College's Jewellery Art and Design Program, Vancouver based artist Thea Robertson has developed a line of hand made jewellery, drawing inspiration from her travels and beach loving lifestyle. Showcasing a combination of sterling silver and ebony wood for the Black + White Show, Thea demonstrates her passion for symmetry and balance by creating unique jewel pieces whose simplicity of design will compliment any outfit.
An internationally collected Artist, James Pereira's work has been exhibited all across North America. His talents include sculpting, painting and etching.
"Since the world is not a perfect place, I seek beauty in its imperfections," said Pereira. "My creative process involves a constant dialogue between myself and the material. Because of this, the initial concept or design is always changing and the final product has the elements of both chance and control."
Susan Carmody expounds on her photograph of her daughter.
"I guess for this particular image, choosing black and white gave it more of a timeless quality, an appeal that would span generations and evoke emotions of times passed and moments treasured. This is a favourite of mine of Hayleigh, as it has so many subtle meanings behind it: Her beauty, her spirit, her independence and her courage to move ahead of where she is at in any moment in time."
