March 18 to April 25, 2021
VIEW AVAILABLE WORKS
Chromatic (krō-ˈ3ma-tik), adj. (1) of or relating to color or color phenomena or sensations, (2) highly colored
Colours are a powerful tool, they can change the perception of a work or completely transform its interpretation. When used “thoughtfully”, the options are infinite. Colours can affect the mood and sensation we get from a person, space, or object. Chromatik—the first instalment of POP-UP, a short-term exhibition series—celebrates the vibrant artworks of artists represented by our gallery. Whether a colour is interpreted as warm or cold, saturated or pastel, pure or mixed; it carries a specific meaning. The exhibition takes a closer look at how artists navigate through the possibilities colours offer by colours. Not unlike the definition of the word chromatic, the exhibition focuses on the relations of colours to sensations or emotions and their tonalities.
Inspired by colour theory, we divided the works into six predominant colours. Here’s our interpretation of some of the concepts:
RED: One of the most complex colours that represent dualities. From aggressive to loving sensations, red can say it all. It is so strong that it often has a physical affect on people. Brighter red can elevate or energize a piece, while darker red can emanate power and elegance. Red can mean power, danger, anger, love, or passion.
ORANGE: Through its direct relation to the colours of the changing seasons, orange can symbolize changes and movements. It is a friendlier and more accessible colour than red while still having part of its power. Orange can be a vibrant, energetic, superficial or impatient colour.
YELLOW: An evident reference to the sun, yellow is the brightest, most energizing, colour in the spectrum. It can relate to happiness, deception, curiosity, energy, or cheerfulness.
BLUE: The effect of blue is highly dependent on the exact shade. It is often a calming colour symbolizing reliability or trust. Lighter blues are refreshing, friendly, and relaxing; darker blues represent strength and reliability; while brighter blues are symbols of energy. Overall, blues are calming, conservative, passive, predictable, responsable, or peaceful.
GREEN: Most prominently found in nature, green embodies the colours of vegetation and foliage. It represents growth and new beginnings. As a secondary colour, green has the calming nature of the blues with the energizing attribute of the yellows. Green can mean renewal, judgement, envy, harmony, or stability.
WHITE: The often forgotten colour white shows off all hues to equal effect. White promotes open-mindedness and simplicity. It most often symbolizes perfection, sincerity, and innocence but it can also symbolize distance, coldness, and virtue.
The concept of the exhibition Chromatik originated from the rainbow of andrà tutto bene—translated in Quebec to ça va bien aller—and the energy that emerged from the movement. Through the many closing and opening of the gallery over the last year, we noticed how art, and all its hue, affected how we felt. Many of you stated how happy you were to see colourful, bright, and positive artworks in the gallery. We were so happy to hear that art—and La Guilde—gives hope and joy for a brighter future. The pieces in the exhibition use colours, shades, and tones in their own way. Whether it is through glass, paper, or stone, they all embrace and accentuate hues through all their possibilities.
With Chromatik, we invite you to question and compel your own interpretations of colour theory. Were you drawn to a specific section upon entering the space? Did you change your perception of said section after reading the classifications we offered?