Sunday, September 28, 2008

Daulby exhibition a colourful blend of mythic and modern

Vancouver, BC — In October, the Yaletown Gallery is presenting “works by daulby,” a varied collection of paintings and drawings from BC artist Dan Daulby. The exhibition, which features striking selections from the artist’s series both past and recent, runs from September 30 to October 12.

For over 27 years, Daulby has drawn from his rich Aboriginal and Celtic heritage to probe the contradictions within the recurring themes of human existence: conflict, spirituality, sexuality, and death. His quest to seek the truths behind our social facades has produced a dramatic body of work that both challenges and embraces his audience. Says Daulby, “While my ancestry has had a profound influence on my work, rather than shaping my images in a traditional way, it has given me a place of strength from where to seek my own identity.”

The inherent dualities of life are evident in all of Daulby’s work. A highlight of the show is his “dedhed” series, colourful skulls that brim with life, inspired by Mexico’s Day of the Dead, affirming both remembrance and rebirth. The “shields” series is a personal interpretation of traditional Aboriginal weaponry, a combination of art and function offering spiritual protection.

Other images, including Daulby’s latest work, “urban jungle,” from his new series, “urban,” are gritty, political, yearning. But at the same time, the show features the colourful and graceful energy of his figure studies, and little character portraits of whimsical yet mysterious “noggins.” Much like his work and his roots, Daulby has his own dualities within.

Daulby’s diverse choice of mediums adds depth to the show. His use of oils, acrylics, pencils, and crayons, often in combination, is well-represented, but there are also examples of construction and stone sculpture. In addition to the main exhibit, many unframed originals and prints (limited and open edition) will be on display.

Originally from Winnipeg, Daulby’s work can be found in the collection of the Manitoba government and in private collections around the world. The artist has been featured in numerous exhibitions in BC and Manitoba.

A reception for the artist is being held on Thursday, October 2nd, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Yaletown Gallery is located at 123–1208 Homer Street (at Davie) in downtown Vancouver, and is devoted to bridging the gap between artists and the community and to create opportunities and appreciation for emerging, local artists.

For more information about this event, please contact Yaletown Gallery at 604-687-2787 or email info@yaletowngallery.com.
Event Link

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