Jonathan Forrest: "Open Source"

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"Midnight Rise"

Jonathan Forrest, "Midnight Rise," 2015, acrylic on canvas, 66" x 48".

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 14, 1-4 pm

Newzones is pleased to announce Open Source, a solo exhibition by Jonathan Forrest.

In the context of a history of painting defined by flatness, Forrest re-invents the idea of contemporary prairie painting. His multi-layered works play within the limitations of a flat surface while opening up new possibilities for spatial composition.

Jonathan Forrest investigates the transformation of an abstract painting from an illustration of a concept into a robust experiential object. Forrest uses built up layers of transparent gels and glazes and by focusing on the edge of painted shapes, the paintings reveal themselves when viewed from different angles. In natural and changing light this material becomes luminous colour and the paintings become reliefs charged with physical presence.

About his practice the artist states:

“My work is a combination of intuitive responses to the world around me, an ongoing dialogue with contemporary and historical painting, and an enthusiastic immersion in the material process of making objects. My natural openness and curiosity has kept me alert to a range of potential approaches to art-making and my creative process is positive – I’m interested in creating something new, something generous and giving and above all, something that sustains me in the studio. Painting today allows me to explore my humour, to playfully reference past art styles and to juggle all this into my own eclectic vision.”

Jonathan Forrest received both his Bachelor and Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Saskatchewan. He has attended the Emma Lake Artists’ Workshop and became an organizer in 2001. His work had been widely exhibited within Canada and can be found in many public collections including: the Canada Council's Art Bank, the Glenbow Museum, University of Saskatchewan, Art Gallery of Alberta, Cenovus Energy, Encana Corporation, Nordstrom, and the Bank of Montreal.