Art Articles & Reviews

} David AlexanderRedefining The Canadian Landscape By Paul Constable Canadian landscapes with no skies, horizons or vast expanses; how can that possibly depict a true believable Canada? Alexander continues to challenge himself to search for the universal northern landscape. His latest work has taken him to the abstract reality of the regional differences and diversity of this country. He says, "in this latest series I have been paying more attention to local colour as an overall feature". Well traveled in the north, Alexander feels he's at home there and his work continues to reflect his search for a true response to the land. His latest work is a "Water Series" - setting Alexander's work off in a new direction. Standing in front of these large canvases puts you at the edge of those inland bodies of water that respond seasonally to the changes of a northern place; a regional vignette that confines the imagery of the area being reflected. Look deep into the pools of liquid that are as diverse geographically as is this country. Your eyes search each surface, past the visual highlights, the yellow glint of sunlight - reach into the cavernous folds, under the reds, where viridian and ochre slide in and out of obscurity. The surrounding imagery pours itself into the land-trapped pockets of water, releasing their life colour into the foreground. Amebic pods of colour thin to varicose squiggles dancing electrically on a glassy surface of indigo and jade. Monet's Giverny they are not. The vast horizons and monumental mountain vistas of previous works have now transcended to a more restricted viewpoint to further define the essence of the Canadian landscape. In this series his visual depth is shorter and more finite as to subject matter; enabling a more concentrated, intense and analytical forensic of the landscape. The space is more confined and the imagery is presented to you upside down, which creates a transcendental feeling, placing you above the surface. As a reflected image, the sky and treetops are at your feet and the trees hang from the top of the canvas. He feels his drawings and paintings are interconnected and dependant on one another - where one stops the other takes over. His palette has changed to a more robust vibrant one. I feel the presence of, yes, that group of famous Canadian painters once possessed with Canada's north country, now being redefined and distilled before our eyes. Alexander's "water paintings" challenge even the best visual decipherer - is it abstract or reality? As a seasoned northern painter he continues to push his own ability past the creature comforts of conformity, for his exploration and self -discovery will undoubtedly be our gain. To view more of David Alexander's works please refer to his web site at www.david-alexander.com David Alexander's Show "Water Mapping" opens at the Vanderleelie Gallery in Edmonton on March 15, 2003 and continues until April 8, 2003. _________________________________________________ Paul Constable is the Director of Artists In Canada. He is a Painter / Printmaker and Senior Graphic Designer for an Advertising and Communications company in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Paul Constable can be reached by email HERE. His paintings may be viewed at: www.ArtistsInCanada.com/pconstable. Your suggestions for future articles are welcome. _________________________________________________ © 2002 ArtistsInCanada.com