February 7 - March 7, 2009
Opening reception Saturday, February 7, 2-5 pm
The artists will be present
2 of 2 Gallery is pleased to announce two solo exhibitions of new paintings by two Toronto based artists Melissa Espina and Paige Holden.
Melissa Espina, every moment is a chance to turn it all around, 2008, Encaustic on Canvas, 36"x48"
MELISSA ESPINA
Nothing of Me is Original
Exploring the themes of chance, spontaneity, the self and adaptation, Espina creates large abstract paintings simultaneously, to search and embrace a visceral lifestyle. By contrasting themes of chance and spontaneity verses themes of Plan and Static, she works towards a path of self-discovery by understanding the influence of what surrounds us. Her encaustic paintings are constructed by using large Gestural movements, bold colours and overall allowing the work to construct itself organically. To further explore her works, Espina connects with it through the removal and reapplication of paint. It is the many layers that make her work unique and tell the several stories found hidden within each piece.
Born 1985 in Toronto, Canada, Espina just completed her Thesis in Florence (OCAD Florence program), Italy and has already exhibited her paintings in Europe and Canada. Espina's paintings are collected by a number of European and Canadian collectors.
Paige Holden, 82, 2008, acrylic gesso on canvas, 24"x24"
PAIGE HOLDEN
Film Noir
The exhibition consists of a series of black and white portraits of women that reflect certain aspects of the film genre, Film Noir. The show evokes a similar feeling of mystery and silence as the classic films. Holden's new work brings emotion to the canvas, and gives the subjects life and a dominant presence. Holden has taken the mystery observed in classic film and translated the different emotions onto her canvas. Some of the images portray the mysterious and sexy women seen in the dark, moody corners of Film Noir, while others reflect the anxious, and suspenseful women from the same film type. These portraits allow the viewer to concoct their own stories from the stark black and white canvases. Holden's innovative portraiture promises an emotional response to the work.
Paige Holden born 1982 Halifax, Canada, is a recent graduate from the Ontario College of Art and Design. Femme Noir will be Holden's inaugural exhibition displaying her dramatic portraits.
2of2 Gallery
254 Niagara Street
(one block south of Queen Street West).
Toronto, ON, M6J 2L8 Canada
tel: +416-591-6464
info@2of2gallery.com
www.2of2gallery.com
