Ciao! Oct/Nov 2021 Digital_CIAO_OctNov2021 | Page 11

ciao ! art
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5 . Kenneth Lavallee ’ s work combines Western modern art influences with the aesthetics and teachings of 20th century Indigenous artists like Jackson Beardy , Norval Morriseau , Benjamin Chee Chee and the Indian Group of Seven . The 37-year-old Metis artist also draws inspiration from his environment and historical research . He fondly remembers passing by the Indian Family Centre while on the bus with his mother and admiring the Jackson Beardy murals of Peace and Harmony . Its grand scale and bold palette influenced his own unique , timeless style and his desire to one day inspire youth .
6 . Takashi Iwasaki aims to confuse . The Japanese-born , Winnipegbased artist creates embroideries , paintings , murals and sculptures bursting with brilliant colour , whimsical shapes and bold lines . Across mediums , Iwasaki taps into a consistent style which he describes as a language that weaves his identity into art . Iwasaki came to Canada to study English and art in tandem , and stayed for the supportive , multicultural art scene . Gallery Lacosse carries his work , ranging in price from $ 500- $ 10,000 . Iwasaki ’ s work can also be accessed as public art such as Churchill ’ s Pumphouse mural or Bokeh at Kildonan Park .
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7 . Architect by trade , Mohan Tenuwara ’ s role in creating and romancing spaces extends to his passion for painting . Highlighting quintessential Manitoban regions such as Flin Flon and Pinawa , the brightly imagined landscapes draw viewers into dreamy summer fantasies . Simulating a pop art style with acrylic paint , Tenuwara ’ s use of light and pattern allows the pieces to evoke realistic yet playful impressions of quiet , breathtaking moments . Warehouse Artworks and Pulse Gallery carry Tenuwara ’ s works , which range in price from $ 450- $ 3700 .
8 . If you ’ ve wandered Winnipeg ’ s streets you ’ ve likely seen Michel Saint Hilaire ’ s work . An accomplished muralist , Saint Hilaire also creates arresting contemporary pieces , mixing seemingly disparate media and styles into incredible wholes . In grade school , Saint Hilaire drew floorplans of houses , a precursor to the architecturally influenced style of his later work . Blending pencil and acrylic , he creates a layered effect punched with flourishes of line and colour . Currently on display at Woodlands Gallery , his work ranges in price from $ 600- $ 2000 .
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9 . Philip Brake ’ s signature silk paintings are intricate , compelling and highly coveted . Familiar Canadian landscapes are expertly brought to life using his quintessential technique of silk dyeing . From aerial views to macro details , natural wonders are portrayed in stunning detail on sprawling silk boards . Originally from California , Brake has lived in Winnipeg since 1978 . Available at Warehouse Artworks and Soul galleries , pieces are available on a rotating basis for prices ranging from $ 3500- $ 5000 .
10 . Luther Pokrant specializes in painting , book illustrations and mixed media pieces . Surrealism and Indigenous art influence his work , and nature , particularly water , is a common theme . Representing water ’ s ability to both reveal what is below the surface and reflect what is above comes naturally to Pokrant , who connects the surface of water surface and the surface of a painting . He often goes to Assiniboine Park to photograph — and later paint — reflections of water lilies on the pond . His work is on display at Mayberry Fine Art , ranging in price from $ 800-10,000 .
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