Mathieson captures historically or culturally significant moments in his work and expands on the emotional content through his paintings and imagery using vibrant shocking colour and form. Positioning historically and culturally significant subjects within a visceral and highly textured figurative expressionism, Mathieson’s paintings reflect the emotional complexity shaping his relationship to these figures through a portraiture that is at once provocative, grotesque and deeply reverent.
An exciting part of this show is that Mathieson will be creating art onsite at Betamax, on Wednesday, September 12 and Thursday, 13, from 12 to 5 pm. He plans to paint one piece each day utilizing a technique called alla prima (Italian, meaning at first attempt) – creating each piece of art in one session.
Mathieson is a graduate of the Vancouver Film School (degree in Classic Animation) and Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in British Columbia (BFA). He currently lives and works in Toronto.
This is the second art exhibit hosted at Betamax, which opened earlier this year. Zottenberg, co-owner of Betamax, curates each show with Vancouver-based Art Advisor Christopher Fadden. With Fadden’s classic art knowledge and Zottenberg’s fearless creativity, the two aim to create a unique experience for visitors.
Zottenberg is thrilled to welcome Mathieson to the space. “Anyone who has met Bobby is smitten immediately,” says Zottenberg. “He is energetic, earnest, sparkly and his paintings keep you coming back. When Chris (Fadden) and I were plotting out our plan for Betamax. We made a list of artists that we had both always wanted to work with. Bobby was at the top of this list! He is very much the whole package. A talented alla prima painter and one of the most entertaining people I’ve ever met.”
Art Exhibit
Bobby Mathieson, Natural Plot Line
September 12 – October 20
Opening Night Reception: Friday, September 14, 7-11 pm
Betamax Gallery
2244 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC
http://betamaxstudios.com/
Instagram: @betamaxgalleryvancouver
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