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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nInstallation view of Collective Experience <\/em>at Propeller Art Gallery, August, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of the collectives from this time, e.g., Painting Disorders, Nether Mind, MUD, Posse and Impure, to name a few, shied away from the commitment of running a gallery full-time. They chose instead to stage shows periodically at different locations, in guerilla-like fashion. Almost inevitably all these collectives have since disappeared. So Propeller is a rare bird indeed to have survived this long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary the gallery has staged a group show at its latest location on Abell Street. As well there is an online exhibition of these works and more by 59 past and present members, with some showing several works. As one might expect from such a large group show the viewer is a little overwhelmed. As a result it is difficult to focus on particular works \u2013 something that is exacerbated by the high quality of the works over all. There are many delightful pieces on display in a slew of genres including traditional abstract painting, conceptual art, photography, landscapes and so on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Installation view of Collective Experience at Propeller Art Gallery, August, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n In no particular order the works include The Red-Clover Walking<\/em> by C\u00e9sar Forero. In this whimsical fairytale-like painting the figure doesn\u2019t so much walk as float across a colourful landscape. In her October, Blueberry Field<\/em>, Lisa Johnson displays her masterful handling of oil paint. It is a landscape brimming with atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cesar Forero, The Red-Clover Walking, oil on panel, 16 x 12 in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lisa Johnson, October, Blueberry Field, oil on canvas, 30 x 30 in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By contrast, Both Peter Friedrichsen and Susan Ruptash display beautifully quiet abstractions. Friedrichsen\u2019s Interference 24<\/em> is a cyanotype made using what seems like a fine metallic mesh. Ruptash\u2019s Interstices<\/em> is a delicate and delectable weave of fabric paper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Peter Friedrichsen, Interference 24, Cyanotype photogram on Hahnem\u00fchle platinum rag, 16 x 16 in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Susan Ruptash, Interstices, Kurotani #16 small with kakishibu, 28 x 21.5 in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstraction of a different kind is found in Tracy Thomson\u2019s painting In Every Dreamhome A Heartache<\/em>. It is a delicious balance of colour and composition. In Burn with Reflection<\/em> Frances Patella crafts an evocative landscape using acrylic paint and photographs. A man seemingly on a stroll through High Park walks towards flames and ash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tracy Thomson, In Every Dreamhome A Heartache, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frances Patella, Burn with Reflection, mixed, photography and acrylic paint on canvas, 18 x 24 in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned, over all the quality of the work is high. There is plenty of talent on display here. It is not truly reflective of the art the gallery has shown over its twenty five years in its three locations – that would be impossible to do. There are also two new members in the exhibition, freshly graduated from OCADU, Leah Probst and Par Nair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Par Nair, Hair Etiquette, oil paint on canvas, 40 x 30 in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During these years Propeller has had close to 540 exhibitions, so the number of artists who have shown there and the variety of their work is staggering. The current show is reflective of the economic pressures faced by artist-run galleries in general. The Abell Street location is a gem of a place but costly to run in this hypercapitalist world of ours. Consequently they usually have group shows or shows featuring at least two or three artists. So there is little room for risky or theatrical art \u2013 nothing in the least throw-away and brazen. One of the reasons why these other collectives I mentioned have died out is that they, at their best, sought out this type of work \u2013 unpolished versions of which are easily found among recent art graduates. In other words, by sticking around and founding a permanent gallery Propeller chose a path distinct from these collectives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Installation view of Collective Experience at Propeller Art Gallery, August, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nonetheless, we have much to be grateful for their success. They are a wonderful resource. May they prosper for the next twenty five years! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hugh Alcock<\/p>\n\n\n\n Images are courtesy of Propeller Art Gallery<\/p>\n\n\n\n *Exhibition information: Collective Experience<\/a><\/em>, August 5 \u2013 August 29, 2021, The Propeller Art Gallery, 30 Abell St., Toronto. Gallery hours: Wed – Sun 1 \u2013 5:30 pm, and online <\/a>until November 5, 2021.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n