Figure painting with Chinese-style ink is the centrepiece of a new exhibition at the Amelia Douglas Gallery.
The gallery at Douglas College is presenting Etherealize, ink wash figures by Alex Wang (Wang Zhihao), from March 1 to April 21.
“The use of brushwork has always inspired my artistic creation,” said Wang, a Burnaby-based artist. “Water can make the brush soft and moist. When mixed with ink, it shows a change of colour from dark to light grey, and a certain tone is also produced.”
Wang creates his work on Xuan paper, or Chinese rice paper.
“When I paint on Xuan paper, I always want to control the direction of the ink and water, but they always surprise me,” he said. “This kind of surprise is what I want. But it is unexpected. These effects can only appear once, and they are wonderful.”
At the opening reception, attendees will be able to see Wang at work.
“We will have a professional life-drawing model present during the opening reception, and Alex will be demonstrating figure painting with Chinese-style ink on rice paper,” said Krista Eide, arts events officer with the gallery. “So, for artists, or those curious about this style of art, it’s a good opportunity to watch and learn.”
The opening reception is Thursday, March 1 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., with refreshments, live music and a cash bar.
Wang will also host a second painting demonstration on Saturday, March 3 at 3:30 p.m.
For more information, see www.douglascollege.ca/etherealize.
