4 Painters

Alexander Irving / Anda Kubis / James Tumblin / Marilyn McAvoy - Through the use of large scale oil paintings, consisting of horizontal and vertical diptychs, James Tumblin explores the potential of unifying two opposing elements. “These oppositions whish are basically primary colours, refer to the polarities of existence; such as night/day, air/sea and in metaphoric terms to interpersonal relationships.” In Marilyn McAvoy’s work her current studio environment provides the impetus for this body of painting. “This area on the waterfront (Pier 21) presents a myriad of inter-related segments ranging from cats, rats, and pigeons, to the high-tech machinery and vessels necessary to support this massive industry.” Her long-standing interest in the modern day ‘artifact’ is supported by the process of deterioration in the area. “Both physically and conceptually, the painted surface is emphasized in these works.” In Anda Kubis’ contribution to the show, the paintings explore the interplay between the two dimensional surface of the canvas and the denial of that surface – through the figurative devices of elements of still life, silhouettes and anatomical parts portrayed in three dimensional space. Lastly, Alexander Irving rounds out the show with the figure painting which attempts to “define it’s own sense of place.” It is work responding to the epiphanic, in the sense of some things being revealed; taking the form of large scale oils. The diversity of the show remains pivotal to its conception, while the underpinnings remain common – the individual’s response to environmental physically and personally through the vehicle of paint.