the YMCA community canvas WORKS initiative - previous exhibits

Justin Shaw

Josée Aubin Ouellette

Michal Wawrykowicz (Oct 29, 2008- May 25, 2009) About The Artist: Born in Wroclaw, Poland and raised in Canada, Michal Wawrykowicz attained his BFA in painting from the University of Alberta in 2005. Wawrykowicz’s concern with paint lies in “what the paint can do and how painterly gestures become analogous to the effects of light in photography”. These works amalgamate the artist’s interest in photography with his talent as a painter.  Wawrykowicz exhibits locally and currently works from his studio on Jasper Avenue.

Tim Rechner (May 25 – October 28, 2008) Exhibit Title: Brain Dead Heart Tim Rechner creates artwork instinctively and physically without much conscious thought. The artist strives to create artwork that is poetic, energetic and beautiful. Rechner is inspired by artwork created by young children and aspires to make work with similar fearless, blind inhibition. Other important sources are: contemporary graffiti, dreams, faraway places and 20th century artists such as Matta, Gorky, de Kooning, Twombly and Riopelle.

Nicole Galellis (Oct 22, 2007- May 25, 2008) About The Artist: Nicole Galellis first studied painting at the University of Alberta and then transferred to the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 2002. Since returning to Edmonton she has been teaching at the Art Gallery of Alberta, Harcourt House Gallery and the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts. “These paintings reference the history of abstraction, but also embrace elements from my everyday surroundings: cartoons, graffiti, ornament, tattoos, medical illustrations and nature. I distort and layer these sources, creating abstractions that are more evocative than descriptive, moving in many directions simultaneously.  By embracing the candy-colours of urban life and a wide array of influences, a sense of vitality permeates these canvases. They optimistically assert the possibilities of abstract painting and help the viewer to see the familiar anew.” -Nicole Galellis