Hometown artist star attraction at local gallery
A new exhibition of work by Kelowna-based artist Gary Pearson opens at the Kelowna Art Gallery this month. It includes a selection of 50 of the artist’s paintings, drawings, and films from the past 15 years.
The exhibition is entitled Short Fictions and the works that comprise the show form a composite portrait of urban living and contemporary society.
Pearson draws his subjects and themes primarily from things he has seen and experienced while travelling.
Visitors will encounter a wide cast of characters and scenes in the artist’s paintings and drawings. Urban settings such as cafes, bars, lounges, parks and hotel lobbies provide the backdrop for Pearson’s observations on the everyday.
A tour and talk with the artist will be held on Friday at 6 p.m., which will then be followed that same evening by an opening reception, from 7 to 9 pm. This is a free event, open to gallery members and guests, by invitation.
Gary Pearson: Short Fictions will be on view from Jan. 20 to March 18.
Pearson was born in a small town in Saskatchewan but grew up in Prince George. He studied art at the University of Victoria and later obtained a master's degree in Visual Art from the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon. He taught at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, and afterwards at UBC Okanagan. His work has been exhibited widely throughout Canada as well as in a number of countries.
The exhibition is accompanied by a full colour publication with critical examinations of Pearson’s work.
The art gallery is located at 1315 Water St.