Daniel St-Amant: Running Forward

The Aurora Cultural Centre is pleased to present Running Forward, a solo exhibition of mixed media paintings reflecting on the friction between industrialism and our habitats, by Daniel St-Amant.

Join us on Friday, March 22, 6 – 8 pm, to celebrate the opening of Running Forward with remarks and light refreshments. Artist will be present. Visit our website for more information.

Running Forward

Exhibition dates: March 9 – May 25, 2019
Reception: Friday, March 22, 2019, 6 – 8 pm
Curated by: Stephanie Nicolò

A figure, formed from manufacturing footprints slowly takes shape on the canvas; outlined in neon it appears from the shadows of the dirt left behind. Placed within an undistinguished landscape, the figure’s identity, a wolf, a polar bear or owl extends itself forward, challenging the viewer to a conversation on the nature on how it was created.

Daniel St-Amant’s paintings always start out in the streets and not in the studio. Using roadways to emphasize our global footprint he captures tire tracks from climate-affecting technologies by laying them out on the street for vehicles to run over, leaving their literal markings across the prepared canvas. Once in the studio, using these distinct markings as the backdrop, animal portraits and landscapes are formed and painted. Running Forward is a showcasing exhibition of new paintings alongside older pieces presenting a timeline of the artist’s unique process.

Industrialism, urbanization, and the over-use of resources are changing people, animals, and habitats everywhere. The method of creation, deliberately including the fingerprint of the subject matter, situates the paintings as a reflective community challenge on these themes. Within the conversation, the paintings are the spotlight in addition to the highlighted subject.

The paintings often include found objects in nature such as twigs, leaves and moss that are mixed into the paint creating beautiful textures and natural palettes. Yet, the presence of the motorized vehicles – no matter how ghostly – remains as a scar and reminder of the power, influence and responsibility humans have moving forward.

About the artist
Majoring in Fine Art at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Daniel St-Amant completed his BFA degree in 2005, and shortly thereafter went on to receive a graduate diploma in Visual Effects for film and television from Seneca College at York University. Daniel currently divides his time between teaching as a professor at Max the Mutt College of Animation, digital painting at visual effects studio Soho VFX, and working on his own practice.

https://danielstamant.com/

Ways of Seeing: associated free public programs

Running Forward Artist Reception
Friday, March 22 | 6 – 8 pm | Free
An evening to celebrate the artist and his work with remarks and light refreshments.

Artist Demonstration
Saturday, March 30 | 12 – 2 pm | Free
Experience an impromptu studio space created in the gallery providing a unique opportunity to witness the artist’s processes and challenges. An exclusive occasion to learn directly from the artist.

Gallery Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
Wednesday: 10 am – 8 pm

Inclusive of and during special events

Free Admission

The Aurora Cultural Centre is accessible. Elevator entrance is located at the North glass doors.

About the Aurora Cultural Centre

At the Aurora Cultural Centre, we believe that arts, culture, and heritage can play a role in changing our world and our community. This is the fabric that deepens our understanding of our shared experience, and creates a more compassionate society.

Since 2010, the Centre has welcomed the community to create and participate in diverse experiences for all ages. Located in a beautifully-restored 1886 schoolhouse, we proudly program four vibrant gallery exhibition spaces, a range of educational classes for children, teens and adults, an eclectic live music series, special family events, summer arts camps, and offer stunning rental spaces for a unique experience.

The Centre is a Registered Charity, generously funded in part by the Town of Aurora. We are proud to have earned the Imagine Canada Trustmark, demonstrating excellence in non-profit operations. Our professional staff is supported by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and enthusiastic team of volunteers.

Image credits: A. Daniel St-Amant, Wise Owl, 2018, Acrylic and dirt on canvas, 36 x 24 inches B. Daniel St-Amant, Home, 2018, acrylic, dirt and found object on canvas, 48 x 60 inches. Courtesy of the artist.