Andrew King departures to a new style

2010 was a year of changes for Andrew King – in his private life and also in his work. “The past year of my life has been filled with an interesting array of circumstances, adventures and most importantly, new beginnings. I found myself in situations that put a whole new perspective on my life which subsequently influenced my work as an artist.” so Andrew.

The stylistic change is pretty obvious when you visit his current exhibition at the Wall Space Gallery in Westboro. In the hallway you will still find Andrew's paintings with his well-know graphic signature style that depicts humorous narratives. But you will also discover some works with captions that are rather pensive and a little bit sad.

“My Friday night” deals e.g. with the sterile loneliness at a nightly laundromat and creates a gloomy atmosphere that is influenced by Edward Hopper. King's paintings tell always stories that leave the beholder with the suspicion that something exceptional is going on. But now it seems the artist is getting more serious and austere – that means no more giggling smiles.

When you proceed with the exhibition you will soon discover King's new group of work that has a distinct style from the older works. “Using techniques and inspiration that is a departure from my regular work, I found a strong urge to venture into new territory and break free from what I was accustomed to while still aiming for a satisfying aesthetic.” so Andrew. His new works are obviously inspired by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. 

 

The text to the painting “View from lakeshore lodge” reads: “At the turn of the century, a Victorian vacation lodge was built overlooking the beach in Prince Edward County. Now long gone, all that remains are windswept trees and the view across the bay to the sand.“ Isn't that somehow a sad story of loss and impermanence? It reminds me at Tom Thomson's “Pine Island, Georgian Bay” (1914-16, in National Gallery of Canada). Nevertheless, Andrew's graphic style is still unique.

During travels down the Rideau Canal, Vermont, Prince Edward County and Arizona King created his new paintings and drawings. The small size landscape painting at the front is called “rideau dusk”. The labeling reads: “An amazing sunset as seen from my motorboat on Big Rideau Lake.” I am wondering where his travels and his departure to new styles will lead him next...

Facts:

Andrew King: departures

February 05^th to 21st, 2011

Wall Space Gallery

358 Richmond Rd

Andrew's homepage

Wall Space