The Amelia Douglas Gallery is highlighting unique plant-based artwork in its next exhibition.
The gallery at Douglas College is hosting Collaborative Alchemy, featuring the work of Pierre Leichner, Phyllis Schwartz and Edward Peck, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 14. An opening reception is on Friday, Nov. 1 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and an artists’ talk is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The exhibition features 29 pieces of two- and three-dimensional art.
Leichner, a full-time interdisciplinary artist whose work focuses on environmental and mental health issues, has created a living display with plants that will grow into sculptural forms over the course of the exhibit.
“Viewers can witness the process and beauty in growth and decay,” Leichner said in a press release. “Each day will bring some changes.”
Schwartz, a multidisciplinary artist who works in photography, ceramics and publishing, will showcase the plant-based prints she describes as “photograms.”
“My hybrid prints are made by a contact printing process that leaves traces and shadows on photosensitive surfaces,” she said in the release. “My work is about the direct transition of data from the subject to the photosensitive paper without the use of a camera or enlarger.”
Peck creates two-dimensional, high-resolution abstract compositions inspired by discarded bouquets.
“I took these discards and, after some contemplation, I arranged them into compositions in which I explored their new colours, shapes and fragile state,” he said in the release. “The symbolism of flowers in combination with their fleeting grace is a poignant reminder of our own allure and frailty.”
Amelia Douglas Gallery is on the fourth floor at Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave. See www.douglascollege.ca/artsevents.
