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Lives of mothers and women explored in art

A new art exhibition at Plaskett Gallery is challenging our preconceived notions of mothers and women. La Mère/Idyll, by artist Suzanne Klassen, is on at the gallery from June 1 to 30. An opening reception is set for Saturday, June 3 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Suzanne Klassen
Artwork by Suzanne Klassen is on display in La Mère/Idyll at the Plaskett Gallery in June.

A new art exhibition at Plaskett Gallery is challenging our preconceived notions of mothers and women.

La Mère/Idyll, by artist Suzanne Klassen, is on at the gallery from June 1 to 30. An opening reception is set for Saturday, June 3 from 2 to 4 p.m.

“We often live in a world of carefully assembled identities and projections. We smile and tell certain stories in certain ways,” a press release notes. “Our interior realities can be more challenging (and hold so much more potential), should we have the opportunity to examine and give them weight and form.”

La Mère/Idyll is a series of paintings that challenge society’s idyllic tropes of mothers, women and the environments we situation them in.

“The challenge is direct in some paintings and lurking behind the mundane subject matter in others,” notes the release. “Mothers and children squinting in the light. Sons look over their shoulder or staring past us. Here is the situation the moment before the smile for the camera. Eyes turned inwards, mouths erased, what is said and unsaid.”

The Plaskett Gallery is at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. It’s open 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and during performances at the theatre (opening one hour before showtime).

See www.masseytheatre.com or call 604-517-5900 for more information.