Timothy deVries: Open Book

A one-night exhibition of paintings for show and sale

Timothy deVries, The Coordinator and His Stakeholders, House-paint and Acrylic on Canvas, 52 x 50 inches, 2016

Solo show includes 20 paintings and a selection of collages the artist made during the pandemic

May 12, 2023 (one night only)
Champagne Reception 4:00 – 5:00 pm; Party Starts at 6:00 pm
RSVP: timothy@timothydevries.ca
Millworks Creative – The Gallery
231 Bay Street North, Hamilton

On May 12, Millworks Creative is pleased to host ‘Open Book’, an exhibition of paintings by Timothy deVries, in The Gallery space at 231 Bay Street North in Hamilton. This solo show consists of the painters’ best work since he participated in his first professional exhibition at Hamilton Artists Inc. in 2015. deVries’ paintings continue to raise questions about the differences between seeing and reading, and attempt to comprehend the kinds of sensations that can occur even in structured spaces.

In the past number of years, Timothy’s work has achieved uniformity in style, where solid blocks of colour are separated from each other by carefully delineated contours, creating an almost cartoon-like impression. His more ambitious works assemble a variety of elements into a single composition, focusing on the important factors of interest and fidelity. In reality, the elements of his paintings are sourced from family photos, personal drawings, art history, his imagination, and the internet. deVries’ preferred medium is latex house-paint on primed canvas.

The paintings in the show will be accompanied by a selection of collages that deVries made during the pandemic. These are primarily made from kraft and construction paper, gift bags, printed images, clippings from picture books, and photographs, and deVries has taken a serial approach with many of these collages to test out various ideas. deVries has envisioned collage as a medium that could be employed to make studies for larger paintings.

Timothy deVries, April, 198?, House-paint and Acrylic on Canvas, 50 x 50 inches, 2019

Before deVries’ ‘FAIL’ group exhibition at Hamilton Artists Inc., he participated for six years in an arts collective (Thou Art Party), and learned the discipline of regularly making art to share during parties they hosted for visitors attending the James Street Art Crawl. Since then, deVries has exhibited his work at the Hamilton Audio-Visual Node, McMaster Innovation Centre, and Hamilton Public Library. ‘Open Book’ is Timothy’s first public show since 2018.

The artist is grateful to many people for feeding his interest and guiding his practice up till now, especially artists and leaders of key institutions in Hamilton’s artistic community. This group includes Paul Lisson, Caitlin Sutherland, Julie Dring, Gary Barwin and others who are helping deVries to explore the place of art in society, and to think of his practice in relation to that of his peers in the arts.

‘Open Book’ coincides with the launch of deVries’ commercial website, timothydevries.ca.

Timothy deVries, Pylon Landscape, House-paint and Acrylic on Panel, 30 x 40 inches, 2018

About the Artist

By-and-large, Timothy deVries is a self-taught painter. When he began painting in the basement of a student house in Toronto almost twenty years ago, his work was inconsistent and unfocused. Artistic growth became an important part of his practice, and with perseverance, he has honed his craft. He takes full responsibility for the environmental impact of his art by using recycled paints and repurposed frames, and by making art that lasts.

About Millworks Creative

Millworks Creative is building a community by providing historic, unique and beautiful spaces for filmmakers, photographers, musicians, artists, entrepreneurs and innovators in Hamilton and the surrounding area.

Millworks Creative – The Gallery
231 Bay Street North
Hamilton, ON
L8R 2R1

millworkscreative.com
danielle@millworkscreative.com
(365) 324-9668

RSVP: timothy@timothydevries.ca
Instagram: @open_book_exhibition

Accessibility: Exhibition venue is on the ground floor and is partially accessible (several steps).

Image Descriptions:
1) A harnessed man paints a blue square on the floor among some occupants of a seaside room.
2) While a man lies prone on the grass, a kneeling man and women manipulate a log, as a child in blue circles round.
3) Orange pylons contrast with beige and brown and grey building materials in this contemplative study.