Kevin Sonmor: Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Vision
Andrea Doyon Andrea Doyon

Kevin Sonmor: Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Vision

Kevin Sonmor (b. 1959, Lacombe, Alberta) is a Canadian painter celebrated for his ability to merge classical techniques with contemporary sensibilities. Drawing inspiration from traditional subjects such as still lifes, equestrian scenes, and seascapes, Sonmor reinterprets these timeless themes through a postmodern lens. His work is characterized by its rich textures, created through layers of glazes and impasto, and its symbolic depth, often described as lyrical landscapes that evoke universal ideas of transformation and mortality.

Through his deliberate use of color, space, and composition, Sonmor breathes new life into historical practices, challenging viewers to reflect on the enduring relevance of art. His work, which has been exhibited internationally, offers a profound meditation on the interplay between tradition and innovation, creating a compelling dialogue between past and present.

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Dominic Besner: The Architect of Urban Dreams
Andrea Doyon Andrea Doyon

Dominic Besner: The Architect of Urban Dreams

Dominic Besner (b. 1965, North Lancaster, Ontario) is a renowned Canadian painter celebrated for his vibrant, textured works that capture the rhythm and essence of urban life. With a background in architecture, Besner brings a structural sensibility to his art, blending bold colors, intricate textures, and dynamic compositions. His use of mixed media—combining oil sticks, acrylics, mortar, and spray paint—creates a tactile quality that resonates with the pulsating energy of cityscapes and the enigmatic figures that populate them.

His paintings, often described as "a world apart," reflect Besner’s moods and emotions, translating his inner world into expressive narratives. Masked characters, architectural elements, and organic motifs intertwine in his works, evoking themes of transformation, identity, and the interplay between chaos and beauty. Exhibited internationally, including at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, Besner’s art has earned a place in prestigious public and private collections worldwide. His work invites viewers to step into a vibrant and dreamlike universe where the urban landscape becomes both stage and story.

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Mark Lang: Self-Portraits and the Art of Reflection
Andrea Doyon Andrea Doyon

Mark Lang: Self-Portraits and the Art of Reflection

Mark Lang (b. 1966, Red Deer, Alberta) is a Canadian painter celebrated for his inventive approach to art history. Drawing inspiration from classical works, Lang reimagines masterpieces by integrating his own narratives and often his self-portraits into the compositions. A graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design and the School of Visual Arts in New York, Lang’s work blends meticulous realism with conceptual depth, creating multilayered pieces that explore identity, perception, and the dialogue between past and present. His paintings have been exhibited internationally and are part of numerous prestigious collections, showcasing his unique ability to connect historical and contemporary perspectives.

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Clive Smith: The Fragile Boundaries of Connection
Andrea Doyon Andrea Doyon

Clive Smith: The Fragile Boundaries of Connection

Clive Smith (b. 1967, St. Albans, England) is a celebrated British painter known for his meticulous realism and emotionally resonant works. After graduating from Kingston Polytechnic, he moved to New York in 1988 to continue his studies at the Art Students League. Smith achieved international acclaim upon winning the prestigious BP Portrait Award in 1999.

His paintings, featured in prominent collections including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, delve into themes of introspection, human connection, and the passage of time. Combining technical precision with psychological depth, Smith’s art offers a compelling exploration of the complexities of the human condition.

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Paul Fenniak: Capturing the Ambiguity of the Everyday
Andrea Doyon Andrea Doyon

Paul Fenniak: Capturing the Ambiguity of the Everyday

Paul Fenniak (b. 1965, Toronto) is an acclaimed Canadian painter whose meticulously crafted figurative works delve into the psychological intricacies of his subjects. A graduate of Concordia University in Montreal, Fenniak masterfully balances narrative ambiguity and emotional resonance in his art. Deeply influenced by the Northern European realist tradition, his paintings often portray contemporary figures set in enigmatic scenes that evoke tension, introspection, and a sense of unresolved narrative. Represented by Forum Gallery in New York since 1998, Fenniak has established himself as a significant voice in contemporary figurative painting, with exhibitions that have garnered international acclaim.

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Jacques Payette: An Intimate Exploration of Elegance and Memory
Andrea Doyon Andrea Doyon

Jacques Payette: An Intimate Exploration of Elegance and Memory

Jacques Payette (b. 1951, Montreal) is a renowned Canadian painter celebrated for his mastery of encaustic painting, blending pigments with hot wax to create richly textured, luminous works. A self-taught artist, Payette’s prolific career spans decades, with exhibitions across Canada and internationally. His art, exploring themes of memory, emotion, and the metaphysical, is part of prestigious collections such as the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

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Tony Scherman: About 1789 series
Andrea Doyon Andrea Doyon

Tony Scherman: About 1789 series

Tony Scherman (1950–2023) was a Canadian artist renowned for his mastery of encaustic painting, blending narrative depth with rich textures to explore historical and psychological themes. His iconic series About 1789 delves into the French Revolution, capturing its figures and tensions with a haunting emotional resonance that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

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