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Andre Petterson, Seven Up, 36.5 x 84.5 inches, mixed media on panel. Click for more information.

Andre Petterson explores the contentious symbolism of the suit jacket in his latest body of work, 'Transition.'

ARTIST RECEPTION: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2-4 PM

The widespread, politically-charged graffiti decorating stately Neoclassical buildings in Buenos Aires is impossible to ignore. It is a visual contradiction which exposes the rift between the conservative elite and radical working class. Aesthetically, the bold colours of spray paint and the gestural, script-like application reshape its planar architectural forms into a highly personal expression. For the artist, the vandalized buildings of the Argentine capital reflect, "a need for a generation of people to be heard by way of a visual vocabulary which speaks out against the values of the establishment."

In 'Transition', Petterson utilizes the suit jacket - a Western symbol of masculine authority, formality, and professional prowess - as a vehicle to capture this notion. Physical suit jackets, painted in bold colour with a gestural, Sumi-e technique indicative of the artist's earlier work, become politicized sites revealing contradictory ideas of success and oppression in contemporary society. If the suit is a metaphor for the establishment, then the artist uses the garment as a canvas to liberate its socio-political identification.

Applying paint to the jacket prior to photographing it adds a new layer of dimension to Petterson's work, blurring the boundary between photography and painting that has come to be synonymous with his practice. 

CLICK TO VIEW ARTWORK FROM THIS SERIES

Bau-Xi Gallery was established by Paul Huang in 1965 in Vancouver, to showcase the many Canadian artists in need of gallery representation on the West Coast. As the oldest commercial gallery in Vancouver, Bau-Xi is a founding member the  South Granville Gallery Association, and a member of the Art Dealers Association of Canada since the early 1970s.

Since its inception, the iconic Vancouver Bau-Xi Gallery has expanded to include Bau-Xi Gallery and Bau-Xi Photo in Toronto, and Foster/White Gallery in Seattle. Over the past 50 years, Bau-Xi Gallery has been recognized as one of Canada’s most highly regarded art galleries, with a reputation founded on adherence to the highest standards in quality of art and service to clients.

Today, the Bau-Xi group of galleries represents emerging and established visual artists across a variety of media and genres and remains committed to excellence in the promotion of exceptional contemporary fine art.

Hanauma Bay I, Edition of 7 in 3 sizes, archival inkjet print face-mounted to plexiglass

Exhibition extended until July 29th at Bau-Xi Vancouver

About the exhibition:

'Simple Days' conveys the nostalgia of Joshua Jensen-Nagle's childhood spent along the shore. Inspired by endless days floating in the water, jumping waves, and surfing with his father, the series evokes for the artist memories of a simpler time, one that captures the essence of pure happiness.

For over a decade, Joshua Jensen-Nagle has been photographing picturesque beachscapes and romantic European vistas. In the past year, the artist has introduced aerial photography into his repertoire, scouting locales in Australia, Rio de Janeiro, Miami and Hawaii with exciting geographic and tidal patterns. Images captured by leaning out of a helicopter reveal an organic arrangement of umbrellas, surf, and swimmers contributing to a seductive, abstract composition. The transportive quality of 'Simple Days' immerses the viewer in the endless joy of a summer spent at the beach. 

VIEW ARTWORK FROM THIS EXHIBITION HERE

Artwork by Tracey Tarling (left) and Andre Petterson (right) placed in spaces designed by Kelly Deck Design (photos by Barry Calhoun Photography)

After gallery associates assist you in narrowing down to a favourite piece, we sometimes suggest that clients take artwork on approval for a 24-48 hour period with no obligation, to facilitate the decision making process. We have plenty of artworks available at any given time, and want to make sure you have time to consider your options.

BROWSE ARTISTS HERE

Jamie Evrard, Giacoso, 24 x 36 inches, oil on canvas, unframed. Click to view more information on this piece here.

 INTO THE GARDEN

August 6 - 17, 2016 / Bau-Xi Gallery Vancouver

The Garden Party:  
Saturday, August 6, 2-4pm

Bau-Xi Gallery is pleased to announce 'Into The Garden', the August annual group exhibition. As a site of display, cultivation and enjoyment of plants,  the garden has historically functioned as an earthly paradise inspiring refuge and enjoyment. With ideas of bounty, natural wonder and lush colour in mind, 'Into The Garden' brings together new work by gallery artists interpreting the myriad of symbols and forms associated with the garden. 

To celebrate Into The Garden, Bau-Xi Gallery will be hosting The Garden Party, a themed reception with light refreshments to open the exhibition on Saturday, August 6 (2-4pm). 

In anticipation of Bau-Xi Gallery's upcoming exhibition ‘Simple Days’, opening July 9 in Vancouver, Laura Busby of Vitamin Daily interviewed Toronto-based photographer Joshua Jensen-Nagle to learn more about his latest dreamy beach scenes.

How would you describe your visual art practice?

I approach photography with a means to create rather than document. Throughout the years, I have used many different techniques to achieve the final image including the use of expired Polaroid film in my early works, painting on photography and re-photographing the images, to most recently dangling out of helicopters and using the highest-end digital camera available.

A consistent theme in your work is beaches and bathers. Why is this subject such a rich possibility for you?

I reflect on my life experiences when I create, and this particular theme stems from my childhood spent at the beach. Each summer, we would stay at my grandfather’s shore house in Mantoloking, New Jersey. It was a simpler, more carefree time that has remained one of my fondest memories from my youth. Since then, I have spent the last 16 years photographing beaches and each time I am able to capture it in a new way.

How would you describe your new series of images and where did you travel to photograph these scenes?

Most recently, I have travelled to Australia, Rio de Janeiro, Hawaii and Miami to capture images of the beach from a helicopter. An aerial perspective produces an almost abstract view of the beaches and ocean. You recognize the subject but in a very different way, so what you are mostly left with is an overall sense of joy in the moment.

What can the perspective from high above reveal about the beach for the viewer?

It’s interesting that usually people like privacy and would like their own personal space. However you notice that in these scenes people seem to flock together. There is something about it that is unusual and very interesting. It says something about our culture when we are out of our daily routines and we find comfort in crowds.

Your new series shows a distinct divide between water and sand, punctuated with people. What inspired this composition?

That is just the vantage point. Photography is all about finding the right vantage to take the image from and then finding the right visual composition. I have been photographing this subject from the ground for so many years, that it is natural for me to move on. You have to keep yourself excited about a subject or the work will suffer.

You must have the best vacation advice, which location was your favourite? 

I get asked this question often. Each place is such a unique experience with its own challenges. People often say how much fun it must be to travel to these destinations, and while it is exciting, it is also work. So much effort goes into the planning and scheduling of these trips. I am mostly thinking about making images and don’t spend a lot of time relaxing on the beach. With that said, I love Italy! It has so many different dynamic landscapes to work with and the food is great!

Joshua Jensen-Nagle’s exhibition Simple Days is available July 9 to 23, 2016 at Bau-Xi Gallery Vancouver

VIEW ARTWORK FROM THE EXHIBITION HERE

Quiet Breezes, Edition of 7 in 3 sizes, archival inkjet print face-mounted to plexiglass

July 9 - 23, 2016, Bau-Xi Vancouver

Opening Reception July 9th, 2-4 pm, artist in attendance

'Simple Days' conveys the nostalgia of Joshua Jensen-Nagle's childhood spent along the shore. Inspired by endless days floating in the water, jumping waves, and surfing with his father, the series evokes for the artist memories of a simpler time, one that captures the essence of pure happiness.

For over a decade, Joshua Jensen-Nagle has been photographing picturesque beachscapes and romantic European vistas. In the past year, the artist has introduced aerial photography into his repertoire, scouting locales in Australia, Rio de Janeiro, Miami and Hawaii with exciting geographic and tidal patterns. Images captured by leaning out of a helicopter reveal an organic arrangement of umbrellas, surf, and swimmers contributing to a seductive, abstract composition. The transportive quality of 'Simple Days' immerses the viewer in the endless joy of a summer spent at the beach. 

VIEW ARTWORK FROM THIS EXHIBITION HERE