Welcome to
Angell Gallery

Current exhibition

James Olley
Modern Dualities

October 24th – November 22nd
Opening reception Friday October 24th 6–9 PM

ANGELL GALLERY is pleased to present “Modern Dualities,” the recent body of work by gallery artist James Olley. The exhibition runs from October 24 to November 22, 2008.

As witnessed by his work in the group show, Intellectual Chic, at Angell Gallery this summer, Olley has developed his work into dynamic, complex and layered compositions. In Modern Dualities, Olley presents iconic architectural forms as more sophisticated, dynamic, transformative spaces that are built up of thick layers of paint and overlapping imagery. The subtleties of his most recent work demand a contemplation of process; parts of the architectural forms appear solidified through the deliberate paint handling, yet areas of exposed abstract under-painting add illusionary depth, while deconstructing Olley’s painting process.

The artist has created complex tapestries of overlapping architectural forms, varying translucencies of colour and thick ridges of paint. The hazy effect of the optically mixed colours enables the viewer to catch a glimpse of the veiled imagery and bold colours that lay beneath. With an inability for the eye to rest upon a given vanishing point, the viewer’s focus is compelled to push and pull across the paintings’ surfaces. The effect of such paint application and imagery combinations brings energy to the rigid modernist forms.

Olley claims he has always been “interested in the ways people inhabit space and the inherent tensions and energies generated within the complexities of our dynamically changing and evolving urban space.” This interest is exemplified in Modern Dualities, as the tension bound within the frames of the canvases represent a glimpse at our ever-evolving surroundings. Olley has created exceptional interrelationships between the body and its surroundings that are intended to “generate contemplation of the ongoing development of the social spaces in which we live.”

Olley completed his Masters of Fine Art at the University of Waterloo this spring. He continues to work in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, where his rigorous studio practice has enabled him to further develop his subject.

Works in the show

Convergence Acrylic, spray paint, Oil and Coloured Pencil on Board 48" × 60" inquire about price price guide	Bands of Light Acrylic, spray paint, Oil and Coloured Pencil on Canvas 36" × 48" inquire about price price guide
Contemplation Acrylic, spray paint, Oil and Coloured Pencil on Board 48" × 36" inquire about price price guide	Planar Patio Acrylic, spray paint, Oil and Coloured Pencil on Board 24" × 30" inquire about price price guide
The Three Kings Acrylic, Oil and Coloured Pencil on Canvas 40" × 60" inquire about price	Mother's Calling Acrylic, Oil and Coloured Pencil on Canvas 54" × 72" inquire about price
The New Growth Acrylic, Oil and Coloured Pencil on Canvas 20" × 16" inquire about price	Douglas Residence Acrylic, Oil and Coloured Pencil on Canvas 18" × 24" inquire about price
I-beam and Patio Lanterns Acrylic, Oil and Coloured Pencil on Canvas 20" × 24" inquire about price

more images of work by James Olley

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