| Lisa DiQuinzio | March 7 – April 26, 2014 |
DiQuinzio makes enigmatic paintings and objects that develop over time. Slowly built narratives of atmospheric paint are evident in their sensual surfaces. A mood of mystery and humour carefully constructs an intuitive and theatrical relationship between each work. The paintings depict nightscapes, forests and campfires inhabited by animals, disembodied faces and ghost-like forms. The effect evokes a feeling of fear, nervousness and curiosity. Accompanying fabric assemblages and objects function as an extension of these painted landscapes, speaking to a practice that goes beyond the canvas. Old painting rags, clothes, blankets, nails, furniture and mirrors are used to facilitate the painted narratives as well as speak to the process of making.
In this show, entitled Knock, Knock, Knock, Knock on Wood, a tone is set through the title that is simultaneously part superstition, part joke, part invitation. This exhibition presents elusive relationships between paintings and the objects and fabrics that have “picked up” paint around DiQuinzio’s work space.
A native of Nova Scotia, DiQuinzio has resided in Toronto for the last ten years. She studied painting and film at York University and has formal training in theatrical costume construction. Her work has been shown at Katharine Mulherin Gallery, Toronto, Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa and The Khyber Center for the Arts, Halifax. She received an OAC Emerging Artist Grant in 2011 and in 2012 she held a summer residency at VSVSVS, Toronto. Her work has been featured in the artist publication Hunter and Cook and in 2013 she had a solo exhibition at ESP Gallery, Toronto.
