PORT COQUITLAM, BC - July 17, 2023... The City's Arts and Culture program will be celebrating the opening of three new exhibitions with a reception on Thursday, July 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Leigh Square.
The public is invited to the event, which takes place in the Michael Wright Art Gallery, the Outlet and City Hall. The artists will be in attendance to meet the public and share their work.
"The summer art exhibitions are engaging events that support and enhance the appreciation of culture and the arts in the city," said Mayor Brad West. "The artists participating in these exhibitions have devoted their time and creative energy to these works, and we're proud to showcase their art."
The three solo art exhibitions feature paintings by talented local and regional artists.
In the Michael Wright Art Gallery, Samantha Harrison's solo show, Recreations of Myth and Spirit, features portraits of the artist's family and friends as modern versions of mythological and religious figures. In creating each painting, Harrison matches each model to a different figure, while also deliberately mismatching the models with characteristics, such as their perceived racial identity or biological sex. By playing with these stories, the artist reveals that mythological and spiritual figures are deeply connected to-and inspired by-aspects of the human condition.
In the Outlet Gallery, artist Jeongmin Ahn's exhibition, This Gift, explores gift giving culture in the form of gift wrappings, and what it can mean for a culture. These paintings are contrasted with images of discarded objects, which show the beauty that can be found in things often regarded to be without value.
In the City Hall Gallery, Port Coquitlam artist Lynda Walker's solo exhibition, Floral Bouquet, captures the beauty and emotion held within each floral subject. Walker's method of using an abstract painting style in the background, and a subject painted using a representational style as the focal point, allows her to express a sensory emotion in her work.
"I encourage residents to participate and to learn more about the summer art exhibitions in our city and the talented artists behind the art." said Cllr. Nancy McCurrach, the Council designate for arts, culture and heritage. "Art is an essential component of our vibrant city."
For more information on the artists and their work, including interviews, visit portcoquitlam.ca/exhibitions.
Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]