PRESS RELEASE
Bronze Beauties, Nude Neighbours at Figures on the Coast, Gibsons Public Art Gallery
By Paula O’Brien
Feb 14, 2013
Gibsons, BC - Ten Sunshine Coast artists whose work has a focus on the human form exhibit their contemporary figurative artwork in Figures On The Coast at Gibsons Public Art Gallery. From intimate nudes paintings to dramatic bronze sculpture, this show has something for all visitors.
Jack Gibson’s traditional lost wax cast bronze sculptures dominate the floor, standing on their pedestals at one third life size or seated on the floor at larger than life size. Noel Silver’s jaunty Heath Ledger greets the street and was sold at the opening. In his compelling large canvases, Silver surrounds his larger than life characters with shimmering light and symbolism. The works are hung with a nice narrative flow throughout and not kept separate by artist.
Ann-Marie Brown’s ghostly encaustics of young children haunt us with their gaze, Jana Curll’s whimsical Receptionists with headsets and shiny nails bring a humorous note, Bruce Edwards outlines his nudes in strong black outline, giving them a stained glass effect. Jan Poynter captures streetscapes in her signature illustration style. Cindy Riach and Brian Romer, better known for their harbour scenes and landscapes show us another side with their portrait studies and nudes. Paula O’Brien’s colourful oil paintings of young dancers bring a sense of drama that is resonated by Maurice Spira’s bold, graphic paintings with political and social commentary.
The show runs until March 11. GPAG is open 11 till 4 every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you’re visiting the Sunshine Coast without a car, GPAG is probably the first stop in Lower Gibsons, just ask the friendly bus driver. Come up for the day, wander around the galleries and boutiques, check out Molly’s Lane and have lunch at Molly’s Reach, home of The Beachcombers. Check out the Purple Banner tour of artists’ studios if you have a bit more time.
About Paula O’Brien
Curator and painter Paula O’Brien has a large stable of talented artists to draw upon for her dynamic group shows. Her FigurativeArtist.org site features nearly 900 international fine artists and fine craftsmen whose work is based on the figure. Her SunshineCoastArtists.org site showcases artists on the Sunshine Coast, just a 40-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. For more info please visit http://www.paulaobrien.com/
About GPAG
Established as a non-profit gallery in 2003, Gibsons Public Art Gallery moved to a beautiful new space in the Fall of 2012 thanks to generous benefactress Eve Smart. This street level gallery has 3020 square feet with 139 linear feet of wall space. It is an important new addition to the Sunshine Coast which boasts a very lively and talented arts community. 431 Marine Drive, Gibsons. For more info please visit gpag.ca.