Michael Hermesh and Fahri Aldin: Figures and Forms

Michael Hermesh and Fahri Aldin: Figures and Forms

Sept 1 – 20th, 2022

This joint exhibition brings together Michael Hermesh and Fahri Aldin, Canadian contemporary artists who utilize the flattened human form within a tableau, shaping snapshots of human foolishness and intimacy.

Their investigation of humanity through symbolism and abstraction ignores representationalism in favour of highlighting narrative. The artists place their characters in a flat world, in which the hero is comparable to an actor on a stage. A collector of Hermesh’s work might purpose his subject isn’t a human figure at all, but rather the overarching experience of humanity and its follies. Expanding on these narratives, Hermesh explains, “Our functional narratives come from agreements, habits, misunderstandings and fears as well as rational insight. I am not saying we are all confused madmen; I am saying we are human to a fault.”

Complimenting the almost purely symbolic dramas of their two-dimensional works, the artists present multiple bronze sculptures. The bronze pieces remain both lighthearted and deceivingly lightweight, as the artists manipulate the medium in their documentation of humanity.

Contemporary Group Exhibition: “Let the Summer Begin” June 16-29, 2022

Contemporary Group Exhibition: “Let the Summer Begin” June 16-29, 2022

The new contemporary group exhibition at the Petley Jones Gallery displays West Coast artists, who can testify to the slow start to the summer season. Wishing the warmth would come, we’ve invited seven contemporary artists to generate our own energy.

The contemporary group exhibition features Thomas Anfield, Marie Becker, John Horton, Michael Hermesh, Duncan Regehr, Ann Vandervelde and Blake Ward.

Thomas Anfield, in celebration of his monkey retrospective at the Art Gallery of the Grand Praire, is displaying the last of the Monkey Drinking Series, “Monkey’s Drinking”, originally shown at the Petley Jones Gallery.

Michael Hermesh is showing two bronze sculptures that are new to our gallery. The ever witty and critical pieces juxtapose the weighty medium of the bronze with Hermesh’s light-hearted commentary. 

Marie Becker is producing many works this summer in preparation for her fall solo exhibition. Two of these new works included in this contemporary group exhibition are, “Hockney Shares His Pool” and “Human Race”.

Duncan Regehr’s work continues to reflect upon our lives, and our journeys, as a series of connected episodes. The activities of daily life are not generally recognized as being important to the path of destiny, however, when we experience an impactful moment.

Marine artist, John Horton, exhibits the tranquil and serene painting, “Solitude.” For those who have cruised the Pacific north coast, nothing can be more soothing than anchoring alone midst the grandeur of mountains and forests as they meet the sea. Here in the Misty Fjords of Alaska, you can almost hear the silence.

For Ann Vandervelde, a Seattle-based abstract artist, the challenge of abstract work is to accept that a composition is never quite done, that it has the capacity to evolve and change and be understood separate from that initial vision. We’ve brought in four works of Vandervelde that seem to harmonize with each other as if paintings could sing in colour and shape.

Inspired by grace and symmetry, Blake Ward’s work reappears in the gallery for the first time since his solo exhibition in December. Enchanted by the souls within our bodies, he explores an irresistible alchemy of sensuality and sentiment.

Duncan Regehr: The Journey

Escape with us into the introspective dream induced by Duncan Regehr’s newest series. The paintings are derived from epic journeys based in myth and legend, or that convey individuals journeying to destinations in defining moments. The Journey, the viewer is enchanted into an arresting moment of transformation. View the exhibition from March 3th – March 24th, 2022.

Copyright Petley Jones Gallery
2245 Granville Street Vancouver, BC