Shaped Canvases

Think Outside The Box!

What shape comes to mind when picturing a painting on canvas? Most of us would probably think of a rectangle or square. The rectangular canvas is most prominent not only for its aesthetic properties, but also because it is easiest to stretch on a frame with right angles. However, when it comes to art, the possibilities are limitless. Changing the shape of the canvas can add character and depth to a piece, bringing a surprisingly different energy and feel to any given artwork.

Constructivist artist Peter László Peri is believed to be the originator of the shaped canvas back in the 1920s, where geometric shapes in art aimed to reflect the modern industrial era. (Though the “tondo” circular painting goes back to the Renaissance!)

 

 

 

 

Left: Peter László Peri, In Front of the Table, 1922, Tempera on board, 25 1/4 x 34 in, MoMA. Right: Michelangelo, Doni Madona, circa 1507, Oil and tempera on panel, 47 1/2 in diameter, Uffizi 

 

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Subsequently, well-known artists like Frank Stella and Minimalist Kenneth Noland took up the mantle, experimenting with varying irregular, asymmetrical shapes, curves, and chevrons of flat colour. From then on, the style has been taken to all kinds of places from Elizabeth Murray’s brightly coloured, elaborate, whimsical forms to Sam Gilliam’s colour field painting, which is completely freed from the constraints of the stretched canvas itself!

Kenneth Noland, Diamond, Photo by Emily Andrews 

 

Sam Gilliam, Swing, 1969, Smithsonian American Art Museum

More recently, contemporary artists such as Beverly Fishman, Peter Halley, and Josh Sperling have undertaken the challenge of combining multiple shaped canvases into an assemblage. Each unit has a symbiotic relationship with the others to create a seamless work in which colours and shapes interact. 

 A piece of irregularly shaped art makes a fun, interesting addition to your fine art collection. If any of these artists are of interest, or if you have any other art needs you’d like to explore , please do not hesitate to be in touch!

Mikael B., Swing City, 2021, Spray paint on custom shaped canvas, 30 x 80 in

 

Beverly Fishman

 

Josh Sperling

 

Peter Halley, Horizon Line, 2020, Acrylic on canvas, 79 1/2 x 78 in

 

Elizabeth Murray, Back in Town, 1999, Oil on canvas, 97 x 92 in

 

Ellsworth Kelly & Roy Lichtenstein

 

KAWS

All About Prints

The common misconceptions, their value, and why you should consider adding them to your collection

There are many misconceptions when it comes to prints and printmaking. The most common and erroneous of all is that prints are akin to posters. This could not be further from the truth, as printmaking is a complex process in which the artist takes part every step of the way. Some of the most common printmaking techniques include engravings, etchings, linocuts, woodcuts, and screenprints, each with their own unique procedures and difficulties. Although prints are produced in multiples, they exist within a limited edition and each one bears the mark of the artist’s hand, rendering it high quality, fine artwork. 

Many are also under the illusion that paintings are more valuable than prints. On the contrary, a high-quality print by an established artist will often be far more valuable than an original artwork by someone lesser-known. Prints and multiples are sometimes accompanied by jaw-dropping price tags in the thousands, hundreds of thousands, and even millions. Just this past March, Banksy’s Girl with Balloon – Colour AP (Gold), number 7 in an edition of 88, sold for a whopping £1,104,000, almost double its high estimate of £600,000! 

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Banksy, Girl with Balloon – Colour AP (Gold), 2004, Screenprint, Ed. of 88, 25 1/2 x 19 1/2 in

Alex Katz, Ada in Spain, 2018, Screenprint, Ed. of 150, 46 x 32 in (left), Tom Wesselmann, Nude & Mirror, 1990, Screenprint, Ed. of 100, 58 x 66 in (right)

The true appeal of prints lies in the medium’s ability to make fine art within reach to a broad range of collectors. Original works by renowned artists are virtually untouchable to most of us in today’s market. Acquiring prints can be a more accessible way of building up a respectable, investment-quality collection with big-name artists.
 
If you would like to learn more about adding prints to your collection or if any of the artworks included here are of interest, please contact us!

Henry Moore, Four Reclining Figures, 1974-5, Lithograph, Ed. of 25, 29 x 33 in

Gunther Forg, Berliner Serie, 2001, Screenprint, Ed. of 50, 19 1/2 x 13 3/4 in

Tom Wesselmann, Monica in Robe with Motherwell, 1994, Screenprint, Ed. of 80, 40 x 58 1/4 in

Lucian Freud, Girl Holding her Foot, 1985, Etching, Ed. of 50, 27.3 x 21.3 in

Jim Dine, Blue Artist at the Bahnhof, 2018, Woodcut print, Ed. of 12, 61 3/5 x 50 4/5 in

Chuck Close, Self-Portrait/Pulp/Pochoir, 2000, Pochoir on paper, Ed. of 40, 24 3/4 x 19 1/2 in

Roy Lichenstein, View from the Window, 1985, Lithograph, woodcut, & screenprint, Ed. of 60,
76 1/2 x 30 1/2 in

Marc Chagall, Entre printemps et été, 1973, Lithograph, Ed. of 50, 20 x 15 1/2 in

Pencil Revival

Beyond Sketches and Scribbles

Pencils perhaps conjure memories of one’s days in elementary school. It is a medium most would not necessarily tend to associate with the realm of high art. The truth is, however, pencils, both coloured and not, are far from a relegated medium and they have garnered increasing interest amongst fine art collectors in recent years. Lauded for its versatility, precision and vast graphic possibilities, many artists have adopted the medium into their arsenal of crafts.

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 From George Condo’s linear illustrations to DiegoKoi’s hyper realistic drawings, several breathtaking and complex fine art pieces have been brought to life with a humble pencil. Enjoy some of our current favourite pencil-based pieces and please contact us if any artists are of interest.

DiegoKoi, Sensazione, 2012, Pencil on paper.

George Condo, Profile with Pink Hair, 2018, Coloured pencil on paper, 22 1/2 x 16 inches.

Jorge Méndez Blake, Tada escritura comienza en una selva VII, 2020, Coloured pencil on paper, 40 x 28 1/10 inches.

Meaghan Hyckie, SIM-11, 2019, Colour pencil on paper, 22.5 x 26.5 inches.
Reproduction courtesy of the artist and Olga Korper Gallery. 

Margaret Priest, What Makes A Room A Room, #2, 1986, Pencil on paper, 22 x 30 inches

Zipora Fried, Coloured pencil on paper.

Fashion Photography

A “Snapshot” of the Fashion Icons

The nights are getting chilly and the leaves have begun to turn red, signaling the start of the fall season which coincides with the launch of Paris Fashion week. The anticipation of the most dazzling designer shows across the pond has inspired us to highlight some of our favourite fashion photography artworks. The genesis for fashion photography may have been clothes, but today, we recognize the artistry behind each shot and the ability to tell a story, evoke a mood, or promote a lifestyle.

Over the years, the genre has evolved in many ways, resulting in a plethora of images that are designed to provoke the viewer’s attention. Admire the sinewy grace of model Dovima as she poses fearlessly amidst a group of circus elephants for example. Or perhaps the intricate way in which the architectural detailing of the wall panel complements the elaborate ruffles of the Christian Dior gown in Patrick Demarchelier’s image. And before you ask, no, Ormond Gigli’s Girls in the Windows (1960) is not photoshopped! The artist intentionally and strategically coordinated these women to stand in the windows of a condemned building to realize his dream photo. How’s that for taking risks?!

Richard Avedon, Dovima with Elephants, 1955, 14 x 11 inches, Ed. of 100

Patrick Demarchelier, Christian Dior Haute Couture, Spring/Summer 2011, 2011, 20 x 24 inches, Ed. of 8

Ormond Gigli, Girls in the Windows, 1960, 16 x 16 inches, Ed. of 100

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Fashion photography has empowered artists to push boundaries, both artistically as well as ideologically – often turning conventional beauty and gender norms on their heads. Take, for instance, Helmut Newton’s Rue Aubriot, which uprooted all preconceived notions of femininity with the model’s tailored suit, sleek hairstyle, and cigarette. 

Helmut Newton, Rue Aubriot, 1975, 16 x 22 inches

In one of its 2014 articles, The New York Times proclaimed fashion photography as the “artworld’s rising star.” Artistic images of glamour, beauty, and sartorial expression have been gaining momentum over the years, enticing more collectors, and making their way to major art spaces, no longer buried in the pages of fashion magazines.

Through its daring innovation, fashion photography has garnered the respect of museums worldwide and has become a highly collectable genre. If you are interested in any of these iconic shots or would like to start your own photography collection, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Mario Testino, Sienna Miller, Rome, American Vogue, 2007, 53 1/10 x 70 9/10 inches, Ed. of 3

Steven Meisel, Naomi Campbell, Vogue Italia, 1992, 20 x 24 inches, Ed. of 7

Nick Knight, Susie Smoking, Susie Bick for Yohji Yamamoto, 1988, 30 x 23 7/8 inches, Ed. of 3

Pamela Hanson, Patti Sylvia, Joseph Campaign, 1987, 24 x 30 inches, Ed. of 5

Tim Walker, Pearlescent Xiao Wen, Shoreditch, London, 2011, 25 1/5 x 19 7/10 inches, Ed. of 10

Horst P. Horst, Around the Clock, 1987, 20 x 16 inchesLillian Bassman, Barbara Mullen Blowing Kiss, 1950, 40 1/5 x 29 9/10 inches, Ed. of 25

Art for Kids!

For nurseries, playrooms & more!

The artworld is often assumed to be reserved for sophisticated, wealthy, and highbrow elites. This stereotypical notion could not be further from the truth. Art can be enjoyed by all, especially a key demographic not usually considered when it comes to the field–kiddos!

Of course, children love to get their hands messy in their artistic creations, but there is also great value in subjecting kids to art displayed in galleries, museums, and even in home environments. Interacting with artwork has a slew of benefits for younger viewers as it engages their senses, sparks creativity, fosters critical thinking, and has been linked to language development.

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This backtoschool season has inspired us to compile some of our current favourite artworks, from Takashi Murakami’s multicolored flowers that depict joy and innocence to Hunt Slonem’s iconic paintings of animals. We believe these pieces would be especially appealing to a younger crowd and would work perfectly in a nursery, a kid’s bedroom, or a playroom.

Regardless of their age, creating a space for your children to grow plays a significant role in their comfort and independence, and adding artwork to that space is one way to open up a whole world of fun, imagination, and exploration. 

Enjoy these fun pieces and please contact us if any artists are of interest.

Takashi Murakami

Mr. Brainwash

Michael Craig Martin

Beau Dunn

Donald Baechler

Tom Slaughter

Hunt Slonem

Alexander Calder

 

Andy Warhol: The Pioneer of Pop!

The Iconic Artist Behind the Unforgettable Movement That Challenged the Traditional Approach to Art

Andy WarholMarilyn series

August 6th marks the late Andy Warhol’s birthday, one of the most widely known artists who played an instrumental role in the emergence and enduring success of the Pop art movement. We are taking this opportunity to delve into what Pop is all about, as it remains one of the most recognizable and relevant modernist artistic styles.

Originating in the 1950s and peaking in the 60s, Pop was largely characterized as a revolt against traditional approaches to art. Artists relinquished classical artistic themes such as mythology, morality and history in favour of quotidian subject matter, turning to Hollywood films, advertisements, product packaging, music and comic books for sources of inspiration. Much to the dismay of art critics of the time, these artists boldly blurred the lines between low and high art, elevating elements of popular culture to the level of fine art.

Andy Warhol, Soup Can Series

Warhol’s oeuvre epitomizes Pop’s unprecedented exaltation of the everyday. Think of his soup can series, coke can bottles, Brillo boxes, advertisement illustrations and, most famously, his portraits of celebrity icons including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.

Andy WarholLife Savers, 1985, Screenprint, 38 x 38 inches, Edition of 190

Pop art was largely fueled by a democratic objective. Warhol, along with other key members of the movement including Tom Wesselmann, Roy Lichtenstein and James Rosenquist, sought to overcome the artworld’s highbrow atmosphere of exclusivity and, instead, created art that resonated with the masses. While today, it is commonplace to witness elements of popular culture incorporated into artwork, it is crucial to recognize how revolutionary this concept was at the time. These artists truly paved the way for future artists to embrace creative liberties.

Roy Lichtenstein, Crying Girl, 1963, Lithograph, 18 x 24 inches, unknown edition

Tom WesselmannBlonde Vivienne, 1988-89, Screenprint, 56 x 57 inches, Edition of 100

Pop art continues to live on today and has evolved into what is called Neo-Pop, a contemporary variation of the movement that includes the likes of Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami.

Please feel free to contact us with any of your Pop art requests!

Jeff Koons, Balloon Dog, 2008, Broad Contemporary Art Museum, Los Angeles

Looking At Language

Text-Based Art

Language is a powerful tool – one that has been employed by many artists. The presence of text in the history of visual culture dates back centuries, however, many modern and contemporary artists have worked to shift its peripheral position to the forefront, many even creating artworks with subject matter solely dedicated to text. The written word has been adopted in the arts in versatile ways, often used as a vehicle to relay subversive messages imbued in socio-political activism, as well as in more light-hearted and humorous instances of clever wordplay. In whatever form it takes, text-based art adds a unique element to visual contemplation, forcing viewers to take a pause, read and reflect.

Have a look at some of our favourite text-based artists and please contact us for any inquiries.

Richard Prince

Mel Bochner

Robert Cottingham

John Giorno Photo by Eric Piasecki

Glen Ligon

Ed Ruscha

Jenny Holzer

 

For more text-based art, check out the following artists!:

  • Christopher Wool
  • Barbara Kruger
  • David Shrigley
  • Robert Indiana
  • Tracey Emin
  • John Baldessari
  • Harland Miller
  • Jean Michel Basquiat
  • Mr. Brainwash
  • Deborah Kass
  • Juan Plensa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mel Bocher

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Celebrating Contemporary Indigenous Artists.

June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, an opportunity to recognize various talented Indigenous artists across the country. Beyond traditional forms of artistry such as totem poles, elaborate masks, and textile work typically associated with First Nations culture, there is also a vast network of notable artists of Indigenous ancestry operating within the mainstream contemporary art scene. While highly personal in terms of style and expression, these artists’ works are nevertheless informed by their shared heritage. As the recent discovery of mass burial sites at residential schools demonstrates, the traumatic Indigenous experience is not merely a distant memory crystallized in the past but permeates the present. It is no surprise that Indigenous artistry is heavily imbued with themes of socio-political critique, cultural appropriation, and identity politics.

Nadia MyreIndian Act, 1999-2002, Stroud cloth and glass beads

Nadia Myre is a visual artist of Algonquin heritage living in Montreal whose work explores her tumultuous cultural history. She is well-known for her subversive artwork entitled, Indian Act, a three-year project in which the artist enlisted over 200 people to help her painstakingly bead over the 56 pages of the federal government’s 1876 Indian Act – a document that painfully reminds us of the discriminatory erasure of Indigenous culture. The artist frequently employs the traditional medium of beading in her artistic endeavors, often mixing the ancestral craft with modern photographic technology.

Nadia MyreMeditations on Black: Philosophical, 2012, Digital archival print on rag paper, 44 x 44 inches

Brian Jungen is another Indigenous artist of Cree ancestry whose use of medium is central to his oeuvre. He employs ordinary objects of everyday life and manipulates them to create masterfully intricate works that initiate a complex dialogue between traditional Indigenous motifs and mainstream global consumer culture. For instance, in his series, Prototypes of New Understanding, the artist deconstructed Nike Air Jordan sneakers to create ceremonial masks reminiscent of those used within Pacific Northwest tribes.

Brian JungenPrototype for New Understanding #23, 2005, Nike air jordans and human hair, 19 x 20 inches

Arguably one of the most well-known contemporary Indigenous artists is Toronto-based Cree artist, Kent Monkman, who has recently been commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to create two large artworks, both of which align with the artist’s general aim of upending conventional historical narratives of European settlers. The paintings feature Monkman’s recurring gender-fluid alter ego, Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, who dons rainbow-coloured earrings and stilettos and who is celebrated as a character signaling a reversal of the colonial gaze.

Kent MonkmanWelcoming the Newcomers, 2019, Acrylic on canvas, 132 x 264 inches, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

These artists represent only a few of the contemporary Indigenous artists celebrated in the artworld. If you are interested in these artists or would like to learn more, please contact us.

Black and White Art

Recent Installations

Classic, powerful, graphic, sharp, and sophisticated. These are some of the adjectives that come to mind when we think of black and white art devoid of colour. Take a look at some of our recent installations and client acquisitions that capture some fabulous monochrome moments.

If any of these artworks or artists are of interest, please contact us.

 

Tom Wesselmann black and white

Tom Wesselmann

 

David Hockney

 

Gregory Siff

 

Terry O’Neill

 

Donald Sultan

Food in Art

Good Enough to Eat!

 


Wayne Thiebaud, Display Rows, 1990, lithograph, 22.5 x 28.5 inches, edition of 60

Food has been a common motif in art for centuries. Both essential for our livelihood and a source of great pleasure, it is no surprise that food and feasting have remained staple themes spanning all artistic mediums. May 11th marks “Eat What You Want Day”, so we are taking this as an opportunity to highlight some of our current favourite culinary delights depicted in artwork. So, feast your eyes on these scrumptious masterpieces!

If any of these artworks or artists are of interest, please contact us.


John Baldessari, ADAM WASN’T INTO IT, 2018, 10 color screenprint, 33 x 28 inches, edition of 50


Lucy Sparrow, Nil by Mouth at 32, 2016, mixed media, 23 x 23 inches, edition of 20

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Gary Komarin, Cake Stacked, 2000, monotype, 43.5 x 34 inches


Andy Warhol, Space Fruit: Still Life (Apples), 1979, screenprint, 30 x 40 inches


Vik Muniz, National Gallery of Art (The Peppermint Bottle, Cezanne), Repro, 2018, digital C-Print, 40 x 50.25 inches, Edition of 6


Miles Aldridge, Crazy Rich Asians #1, 2013, chromogenic print, various sizes available


Chloe Wise, You’re like Versailles, you never move, 2018, oil on canvas, 60 x 48 inches