News

July 21, 2016 - Toronto

Riko Nakasone (Bau-Xi Vancouver Director) and Alissa Sexton (Bau-Xi Toronto Co-Director) were thrilled to spend this heatwave poolside at one of Toronto artist Barbara Cole's photoshoots today. As an artist who typically shoots underwater subjects, Cole has to use these beautiful summer days to create her artistic visions. 

During the shoot, Cole used multiple models, various costumes (designed by the artist), and 2 pools as she worked toward two parallel show ideas, still in their infancy. Following these photoshoots, Cole works tirelessly in studio evaluating her images, and editing her selections for inclusion in the final exhibitions.

It was amazing to see how Cole is able to crop these moving, floating figures all in-camera to create stunning images. Thank you to Barbara Cole for sharing this incredible process with us over the years.

This image above shows one of Cole's models awaiting her turn to be choreographed in front of the lens-- we are sorry we can't share more!

VIEW ARTWORK BY BARBARA COLE HERE

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

Lori Nix, Botanic Garden, chromogenic print, available in 2 sizes in editions of 15. Click image for more information.

Lori Nix meticulously constructs three-dimensional miniature dioramas by hand and captures her images using a large-format film camera. These scenes of an imagined, post-apocalyptic world are infused with dark humour and irony. Through the photographic process, the fictional scene is transformed into a surreal space, where scale, perspective and the document of the photograph create a tension between the material reality of the scene and the impossibility of the depicted narrative.

Here is a behind-the-scenes image by Lori Nix that offers more information on how these captivating images are created and captured.

Lori Nix's work will be featured in Bau-Xi Vancouver’s August Group Exhibition, Into The Garden opening August 6^th”

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). 

2. Is this a conscious choice to paint only women?

The work is a journey of trying to express something that is abstract, and that expression takes the shape that is most familiar to me.

3. What do you want viewers to feel when they look at one of your paintings?

Peace. The swimmers are a meditation. An invitation to peace; a space to enter into and leave the busyness of the day behind. As the body stills so too does the mind, surrendering to the real-time flow of moment to moment. I think that initially the viewer relates to the remembered experience of swimming, but I hope that ultimately it’s a deeper sense of peace that resonates.

4. How do your compositions begin?

I start with a photo shoot for reference.  I scatter the prints on the studio floor, and live with them for some time. Eventually a few images will resonate with me.

I begin a painting with a pencil drawing. I use the photo for some initial colour and detail reference, but eventually I put it aside, try to get out of my own way, and just let the painting develop. A lot of the work is sheer chance. I try to clear my mind and just let it happen.

5. What part of the process is most enjoyable to you?

The start of something new, the beginnings! There is such excitement and potential in the initial inspiration, that wordless concept that I can’t quite put my finger on because it’s just emerging. The most joy comes from the drawing. That’s the part where I start to coax a feeling into reality. I love that the drawing will ultimately be a secret hidden under layers of paint. The rest of the process is an all-consuming, ebb and flow of frustrations and hallelujahs.

6. How do you feel when a completed painting leaves your studio?

When a painting leaves the studio it stops being about me, and becomes a space for other people to enter into. If the work allows another person to connect to a familiar feeling, a sense of time or place, a wordless moment, then I am very grateful.

 View this 30 second video to hear more about her practice

BROWSE AVAILABLE WORK BY VICKI SMITH HERE

Contact us to receive a message when Smith's next painting arrives

BAU-XI PHOTO  |  JULY 9-23, 2016

Bau-Xi Photo (Toronto) presents a group exhibition with a focus on Paris Rooftops, the latest series by internationally acclaimed photographer Michael Wolf. Known for his studies of dense urban landscapes, Wolf’s newest work captures the countless rooftops of historical buildings in Paris. In his signature approach of removing any reference to the ground or horizon, Wolf flattens each image to present abstracted views of the iconic city. 
 
German-born and educated in the United States and Europe, Michael Wolf now lives and works in Hong Kong. His work has been exhibited internationally and can be found in prominent collections such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; The San Jose Museum of Art, California; The Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago; and The Brooklyn Museum, New York.

VIEW MICHAEL WOLF ARTWORK HERE

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