CANMORE – Expressing ourselves in art has long since been a meaningful way to convey our innermost perspectives and the Canmore Art Guild (CAG) has made a point to encourage exactly this, specifically when it comes to abstract works. And, coming this week, the CAG intends to show residents and visitors alike just what local artists can do when it comes to this type of art.
Colourful canvases and out of the ordinary sculptures will soon adorn the walls and space of the Canmore Art Guild (CAG) in Elevation Place as the 4th Annual Canmore Abstract Exhibition kicks off.
Featuring work from 14 local artists at their most unique, the exhibit intends to showcase prominent pieces that best represent abstraction in art and will open up on March 9.
Wanda Ellerbeck, a local abstract artist who is also a member of the Canmore Abstract Exhibition's organizing committee, says abstract art has a rich history among artists.
"Abstraction in art has a history of over one hundred years," said Ellerbeck. "Abstraction opens poetic opportunities for artists to express a diverse array of interests from formal to emotional and beyond."
In a press release, the CAG aligned their definition of abstract art with the Tate Museum in London, saying abstract art uses "shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks to achieve its effect."
Ellerbeck says the art form allows an artist to be free from representing the physical world and able to explore different paths of expression.
"Abstraction asks the viewer to participate in the creation of meaning of the piece. It engages the viewers own perceptions experiences in response to the work," she added.
The artists to be featured in the exhibit weren’t chosen at random either. Each had to submit a few of their best pieces which were then carefully selected by a panel.
"To be a part of the exhibition, each artist had to submit two to three artworks to a jury that selected the strongest and most cohesive artworks," the CAG press release read.
The exhibit will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday except Wednesdays. Also open to the public is the opening reception, which will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 8, and will include an opportunity to meet all the featured artists.
The exhibition is on display at the CAG gallery in Elevation Place until March 26.
