STILL WORKS FROM THE SG PERMANENT COLLECTION

April 2 to May 5, 2024

In the bustling cacophony of the contemporary world, where noise incessantly clamors for attention and digitized distractions are abundant, the concept of stillness in art emerges as a beacon of tranquility and contemplation. Stillness in art is not merely the absence of movement; it is a profound state of being that invites introspection, evokes emotions, and transcends the boundaries of time and space. From serene landscapes to minimalist compositions, the portrayal of stillness resonates with viewers, offering a sanctuary amidst the chaos of life.

Station Gallery has served as Whitby’s public art gallery for over 50 years. In 1980, the gallery founded a permanent collection. The subsequent decade saw a rapid expansion of the gallery’s holdings. The local print community initiated the fonds by acquiring gifts from numerous Ontario artists associated with the gallery—along with Open Studio—a prominent Toronto printmaking facility. On display are some of the finest examples of print production that evoke a sense of “stillness” from the core of the gallery’s expansive collection.

When considering the given theme of this print exhibition, still life works hold a paramount importance in the artistic realm. Printmakers such as Carl J.C. Heywood, Sarah Nind, Liz Parkinson and Erica Rutherford, offer windows into mundane yet profound aspects of human existence. Their compositions depict inanimate objects such as fruits, flowers, or everyday utensils offering a unique opportunity to explore themes of mortality, transience and the passage of time.

One of the most striking manifestations of stillness in art is found in the genre of landscape painting. Artists throughout history have sought to capture the quietude of nature, depicting serene vistas that inspire a sense of awe and reverence. The works of Gerard Brender à Brandis, Susan Farquhar and Susan Paterson transport viewers to tranquil realms, where time seems to stand still and the hustle and bustle of daily life fades into insignificance.

Beyond the realm of representational art, stillness finds expression in abstract and minimalist compositions. Artists Nobuo Kubota and Akira Yoshikawa employ geometric forms, subtle gradients, and muted colors to evoke a sense of quietude and introspection. Leszek Wyczółkowski’s meticulously rendered grids and lines exude a sense of harmony and balance, inviting viewers to enter a realm of profound stillness and tranquility.

Ultimately, the concept of stillness in art serves as a reminder of the inherent beauty and significance of moments of quietude and introspection in our increasingly fast-paced, twenty-first century realities.

Olexander Wlasenko
Curator
Station Gallery