Duncan Regehr: Presence

Duncan Regehr, "Presence," 2018

Opening Reception Thursday October 18, 6-9pm (artist in attendance)

“PRESENCE” is an exhibition of figurative works selected from two separate series of oil paintings: “Pilgrim” and “Palimpsest”. The exhibition will celebrate the launch of my seventh book of visual and literal works, also entitled “Presence”.

“Pilgrim” – When I pick up the brush to start a new painting I begin a journey of exploration. I often feel humble and yet privileged in the presence of my materials…Where will we go together? What adventures will we share? Inevitably the work becomes homage, a pilgrimage to discover the final creation. The paintings of this series portray lone individuals experiencing profound moments on their quest toward destiny. Subjects appear in a state of reverie or focusing upon something that exists beyond the realm of the picture, hence the works draw upon the distinct and arresting power of singular presence.

“Palimpsest” – In the spring of 2017 I went on an art pilgrimage to Florence, Venice, and Rome. I was intrigued by the images I saw in old frescoes and by the layered inscriptions and drawings on ancient walls. They had been altered by time, yet remained like distorted ghosts. Some had been purposefully covered or erased, but many had reappeared by way of natural erosion, still others were enhanced by more recent graffiti. They inspired me to create works of images and words suggestive of palimpsest, holding meaning and legacy in their collective presence.

“Presence” – Painting is silent poetry, and poetry painting that speaks- Simonides

“Presence” is my latest book of poems and paintings. It is comprised of four sections: Other Selves, Other Lives, Other Loves and Other Souls.

The pictures and written pieces of “Presence” were born from my life experiences; inspired by exploration of self, humanity, my relationships, spiritual and cosmic musings. They were created at different times from each other: An image of a painting wrought in 2014 is displayed opposite a copy of a poem written in 1972. Their pairing offers scenarios whereby thought, feeling and idea may be observed as a continuum. – Duncan Regehr RCA, DFA