Toronto based artist Ryan Dineen caps off what has been an outstanding year with the release of his latest and greatest works in his 2015 solo Minor Disasters.  The exhibition runs until November 28 with the artist's opening reception on Thursday, November 12 from 6pm to 8pm.  The year has been punctuated by memorable and most enjoyable opening celebrations, namely those held here in our grand new space on Hazelton Avenue.  We warmly invite you to join us at the gallery for Dineen's opening and make merry with the many unique faces that shape Toronto's arts and culture scene.
 
 
Additional art news in this issue: reports on the many new works that have arrived at the gallery from artists' studios, acclaimed author and artist Wallace Edwards launches his newest book accompanied with an exhibition of the original watercolour illustrations this December, as well as news of what to expect for our 2016 programming.



Above: Ryan Dineen, The Don | Left: Men at Work...


RYAN DINEEN
Minor Disasters
November 12 - 28 . 2015

Artist's Opening Reception: Thursday, November 12 | 6pm - 8pm



Through his artful compositions and keen eye for the city he grew up in, Ryan Dineen creates energetic canvases that vibrate with intent.  Born in 1983, Dineen's reach as an artist sees him embraced by fellow artists, promoted throughout North America and widely collected.  With several solo exhibitions to date in his career, Minor Disasters is Dineen's second solo with Ingram Gallery.  Primarily a large scale painter, his new canvases present a treatise in painting: what to paint, why paint it, how to create it, brushwork, balance and resolve worked through and presented in a formal and masterful piece.  Deft handling and understanding of paint is a lifelong quest -- a journey already well undertaken by Dineen.

 
To call something a 'minor disaster' is a way of bringing perspective to an unfortunate circumstance.  This series is dedicated to the moments in our lives that could easily overwhelm, but given some perspective can be seen in a positive light.

 
In creating artwork there is always a desire to achieve a certain degree of perfection.  And so each painting inevitably contains some element of a 'minor disaster'.  That being said, there is joy in every piece and  I find peace and contentment in knowing  that.
 
- Ryan Dineen, October 2015



Please contact the gallery for all purchase and press queries.  Current available works range from $3500 - $8500.  A preview of the new works can be found on our website.  Ryan Dineen's artist statement, CV and exhibition catalogue are available as PDFs.
 
Above: Ryan Dineen, In the Fog oil on canvas, 48 x 60 inches 
 

 
Works by ANDREW BELL, BARRY HODGSON & SHARON OKUN

Autumn at the gallery has become the season of choice to see new works arrive from artists' studios across Canada.  This month has already seen several new works to the walls and windows, including works by Andrew Bell, Barry Hodgson & Sharon Okun.  Continuing in the brilliant narrative thread that is Bell's Moterwerks series, Zero -- the space ape, has arrived.  Conceptualized and discussed over the last few years, Zero is presented in meticulously crafted full cast plaster and mixed media sculptures.  As complement, two wall works have also arrived -- mixed media photo-transfers, including one of the tapestry style pieces that are always so well received for their uniqueness.


Visits by Hamilton based artist Barry Hodgson to the gallery are often filled with great conversations about material, process and the subtle shifts in both required to capture the essence of a seasonally altered landscape.  Hodgson has two new works on paper and an oil on canvas new to the walls this month.  In our most recent conversations together, we all lingered long on this observation presented by the artist:


A fragment from the writings of Gertrude Stein often comes to mind when I am thinking about painting. I paraphrase it as:
A work of art should be a thing made as it is made, not a thing prepared.




Two exquisite new oil on panels have arrived from Sharon Okun's studio in Montreal --  nocturnal scenes that present a superb setting for studies in light and atmosphere.  Featuring handcrafted white oak frames, the new Okuns are a delight to consider.
 
Above: Andrew Bell, Zero caster plaster - mixed media, 22 x 13 x 17 inches 

 
WALLACE EDWARDS
Once Upon a Line
December 5 - 10 . 2015

Please Save the Date: Book Launch, Signing & Reception
Saturday, December 5 | 2pm-4pm

In Once Upon a Line, imagination takes center stage as Edwards generates endless possibilities for creative adventures in storytelling.

A family favourite at the gallery is our tradition of launching Wallace Edwards books with a book signing and exhibition of the original works of art.  A lovely Saturday afternoon event for all to enjoy, please save the date and join us at the gallery on Saturday, December 5th between 2pm and 4pm. Once Upon a Line (Pajama Press, 2015) marks Edwards' fourth exhibition and book launch at the gallery.

"Once Upon a Line is the latest literary contribution from highly acclaimed children's author and illustrator Wallace Edwards. Sure to fascinate young readers and adults alike, this artistic masterwork remains true to the unique whimsical style that has won Edwards numerous awards including the Governor General's Literary Award; the Children's Choice Award from the International Reading Association for Alphabeasts and Monkey Business; the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award and Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award for Monkey Business; and the Junior Library Guild Award for The Cat's Pajamas."  Read the full review of Once Upon a Line by Christina Quintiliani here.


As we look at the remaining events happening at the gallery in 2015 -- we are equally enthused by our upcoming 2016 programming. 

Travis Shilling opens his 2016 solo exhibition April 7th.  The works of Shilling will also be exhibiting early in the new year as part of the upcoming Wanda Nanibush curated group exhibition The Fifth World taking place January 22 - March 20 . 2016 at the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG). 

 
Shortlisted for this years Kingston Prize, Daniel Hughes will see his next solo with the gallery in May.  In addition to his acclaimed figurative works, Hughes' new abstract compositions (left) are purposeful and pure, and on the walls for you to enjoy during your next visit.


Please stay tuned for the next issue of Ingram Art News for a full overview of our 2016 exhibition schedule.




The evening of Thursday, November 12th at the gallery promises much by way of great art and community connections.  Please join Ryan Dineen, his fellow artists, friends, collectors and our team between 6pm and 8pm as we fête the opening of Minor Disasters.

See you soon!

    
Tarah Aylward, Director   
Ingram Gallery 

@TorontoART | For the love of art | #24Hazelton