Gallery@501 invites you to find connection through portraits

Strathcona County is pleased to present a new art exhibition, Reflections, featuring artworks from Canadian artists Carol Wylie (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) and Marie-Pierre Castonguay (Sherwood Park, Alberta). The exhibit opens at the Gallery on January 23 and shows until March 2, 2024.

"An important goal of the gallery is to exhibit artwork that reflects and connects our community,” says Kris Miller, Gallery@501 Curator. “This exhibit supports that conversation through an exploration of two perspectives on portraiture and its power to create universal human connection.”

Exhibit visitors will discover portraits that capture a range of unique individual stories portrayed through paintings and photographs. Both artists create opportunities to expand the viewer’s empathy and understanding of others by depicting a diversity in the lived experiences of their subjects.

Carol Wylie explores the identity and consciousness of each person she paints, using layers of colour and brushstrokes that capture memory and essence. By depicting a direct gaze with the viewer, Wylie aims to create engagement by capturing an emotive presence of each individual.

Marie-Pierre Castonguay shares a series of documentary photographs of the morning routines of girls and women ages 0 to 102, with bilingual (French and English) captions. Focusing on an honest depiction of the routines of each person, she explores positive body image, acceptance and family connection.

Access to unlimited images has changed the way we think about portraiture and how we see each other. These artists thoughtfully capture unique moments of their subjects that inspire exhibit visitors to slow down and find connection to the subjects, while considering their perceptions, assumptions, vulnerabilities, strengths, similarities and shared experiences.

The public is invited to join Carol Wylie for an artist talk on Saturday, February 10 at 1 p.m. at Gallery@501. This will be followed by a public reception at 2 p.m. featuring both Carol Wylie and Marie-Pierre Castonguay. These events and admission to the gallery are free.

For more information, visit strathcona.ca/ArtGallery.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595