Artists Michael Black, with Victoria Huntley, present an exhibition featuring bold abstract paintings and vibrant glasswork, contrasting the literal and symbolic meanings associated with Gardens.
The Exhibition
Gardens are full of meaning.
The beauty of our own beloved flowers and vegetables is juxtaposed with devastating world-wide natural disasters, highlighting a deeper issue in our environment. Gardens have also been used in powerful symbolism: rich associations connected with garden imagery reach across time and cultural specificity – the nexus for creation stories or representations of paradise. If we look even closer, we can also see the history of humanity represented: gardening often suggests a desire to dominate and control, merging nature and culture in a way that brings both the perceived advantages of that combination and the historical harm that comes with it.
But despite everything, there is hope in gardens. As another winter comes to an end, we often find ourselves longing for the first promise of spring. This exhibition embodies that hope and promise.
Reception
Join the artists on Saturday, March 15 between 2-4pm to celebrate this exhibition:
- 2:00pm: enjoy a short presentation from Michael and Victoria as they explore their work and the theme of the show.
- 2:20-4:00pm: a drop-in wine and mingle time follows the artists’ Talk, with refreshments and complementary wine provided.
No tickets or registration required. All welcome!
About the Artists
Abstract artist Michael Black graduated from the Ontario College of Art (now OCADU), in 1984 and holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Toronto (2003). For 30 years, he worked in education. Michael has shown his work in Toronto, Charlottetown, Port Perry, Creemore, Thornhill, Port Hope, Cobourg, Ottawa, Peterborough, Thornbury, Meaford and Sutton West.
Victoria Huntley is a multi-disciplinary artist, finding inspiration in both canvas and glass. Her
work has been featured at the Loft Gallery in Thornbury, The Art Bank Collective (former) in Clarksburg, the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts in Collingwood and at Donna Child Fine Art Gallery in Toronto.