The Revelstoke Visual Art Centre is running a new exhibit, featuring the work of four artists (two of whom are local).
The exhibition runs Jan. 4–28. Featured artists include: Andrea Simmonds, Antonia Otoya, Axel Morrison, and Charise Folnovic.
Both Morrison and Otoya opted to include murals in their work. Programming Director, Taylor Sandell said that it breaks a lot of people’s hearts to see “big, beautiful original pieces only last for so long.” However, “as mural artists [they] are aware that that’s part of it…and new work is temporary and that’s part of the beauty as well,” said Sandell.
Overview of the artists’ work:
Andrea Simmonds: Based in Victoria, B.C., Simmonds’ work began by her curiosity being piqued by the wildflowers of Mount Revelstoke. Her work further explores celestial forces, their influence on wildflowers and how natural plant placement indirectly reflects contellations. In her artist statement Simmonds said “I wanted the sky and earth to be reflections of each other in a way that invokes thought about all the conditions present to support alpine meadows.”
Antonia Otoya: New to Revelstoke artist, Otoya’s work explores the importance of being seen. In her artist statement, Otoya said, “the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in seeing and being seen, emphasizing the transformative potential of visibility in fostering empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of connection.”
Axel Morrison: Based between Interior B.C. and the coast, Morrison explores the influence of living both rurally and being globally connected. Morrison examines the theme with concepts that range from pop culture, old folklore, Koans and daily life.
Charise Folnovic: Local Revelstoke artist, Folnovic recently returned from an artist residency in Messenjana, Portugal where she worked through creative blocks, after which her work on creating a dialogue between traditional and contemporary art emerged. Folnovic was also inspired by light and said she developed, “an embraced relationship to the sun, utilizing its warm rays to capture the essence of local flora and fauna, standing as a testament to the inter-connectedness between the environment and the artistic process,” in her artist statement.
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