The Colborne Art Gallery Presents: “Infinite Light” – Works by Jillian Roos-Markowitz
October 1 to November 6, 2016
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 1, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Art is an exploration of the inner world as much as it is an examination of the exterior realm of existence. To bring the two together in a cohesive body of work is a great achievement for any creative person. Artist Jillian Roos-Markowitz is a pioneer of this territory. Her upcoming exhibition, “Infinite Light”, is the visual testimony of her journeys.
The work of this show begins where her solo show of four years ago, “Into the Light”, left off. Her launching point began as an intuitive drawing of a piece of bark, given to her by a friend. After examining the object both visually and with her hands, the artist closed her eyes and drew. Rather than drawing by careful observation and control, she allowed her hand to move under its own accord, following lines, rhythms and shapes as perceived by the inner self. Creative blockages were released. New pathways revealed themselves.
Images emerged as miraculous maps of the spiritual interior, seemingly impossible landscapes of fluid lines and jagged peaks, recounting wordless tales of transcendence. Further drawings have been created in this manner, using a fragment from a geode and other objects of personal significance. These large drawings of charcoal on paper will be on display alongside her other works in the show.
From these original drawings, compositions were isolated, traced and reworked in several series of fibre art pieces and linocut prints. The fibre art pieces are contemplative sonatas composed from silk fabric, hand embroidery and delicate beadwork. The linocuts explore the repetitive features of printmaking, discovering patterns and motifs hidden in the lines. Long scrolls of paper and large format sheets accommodate the scale of her new works. Each piece invites the viewers to embark on their own journeys of inner exploration.
Fellow gallery member Rod Bergeron has facilitated Roos-Markowitz with both the printmaking and the development of a video piece revealing her creative process at work. This video will be an exciting feature of the exhibition, to be screened in the gallery’s media room for the duration of the show.
To further augment the artist’s desire to share in her process of discovery, Roos-Markowitz will be holding a free printmaking workshop at the gallery on Sunday October 16. Her past workshops at the gallery have been very popular, the attendees finding new means of creative expression. Individuals of all skill levels are welcome to register for this workshop by calling (905) 373-6239. Space is limited, so please register early.
“Infinite Light” opens on Saturday, October 1, with a reception from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Jillian Roos-Markowitz will be on hand to give an artist’s talk, and other gallery members will be present. All are welcome, admission is free and the gallery is wheelchair accessible. The Colborne Art Gallery is located at 51 King St. East, Colborne. Regular gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12 noon to 5:00 pm, and the show runs from October 1 to November 6. For more information, please visit www.thecolborneartgallery.ca or phone 905-355-1798.
-Monika Devine
Press
Colborne Art Gallery artist Jillian Roos-Markowitz takes blind approach to latest exhibition
Exhibitions continue at Colborne Art Gallery
Scenes from the Opening Reception
