Petley-Jones Gallery is proud to present Sentient Symmetry, a dual exhibition of provocative works by the Canadian sculptor Blake Ward and his life partner and co- creator, the German sculptor Boky Hackel-Ward. The exhibition features pieces from throughout Blake and Boky’s catalogue, showcasing an evolution from exterior perfection toward enlightenment through spiritual introspection. Boky and Blake are thrilled to show with Matt Petley-Jones, whose work unveils the synergy between these three artists. Petley-Jones’ expressionism finds soundlessness and quietude as an élan vital of the imperishable warriors of the spirit and of the mind, completing the symmetry of kin spirits.

Realising the grace in the polarity between Classical and Baroque techniques, Blake and Boky have been creating in partnership since 2013. Sentient Symmetry showcases this fusion between the artists’ respective methods, coming together to create a balance between the Postmodern and an ever-evolving Renaissance.

Born in Yellowknife, Blake Ward received his Fine Arts Degree from the University of Alberta and went on to study classical figurative sculpture in Paris before moving to his current studio in Monte Carlo. In Monaco, he would meet his future collaborator and asked Boky, a conceptual artist, polyglot and old master paintings restorer, to help him with some gold leaf inlay and from there the partnership was born.

From within this collaborative energy, the Spirit Collection evolved. The sculptures are a transgression of the classical rules, crossing over into the abstract and ethereal realms of our inner worlds. Both seductive and tragic, their perfect proportions reflect the hidden perspectives of our human condition. The textured exterior surface alludes to the complexity of our individuality. The open, exposed interior elicits introspection. Holding fast to their love of the human figure, they lead us toward self-discovery.