MICHELLE PERAZA

Patria Potestas

June 13th - July 13th, 2018.

Reception: Thursday, June 14th, 7-9pm

Location: ARTiculations, 2928 Dundas St West / Mon-Fri: 11-6, Sat: 11-5, Sun: 12-5

Michelle Peraza's recent body of work 'Patria Potestas' explores themes of ethnicity, origins, culture, tradition, skin colour, value systems, customs, identity, migration, integration, and familial hierarchy and bonds that raise vital questions. Large-scale portraiture is the catalyst allowing expression of these themes. Peraza chooses to paint individuals close to herself; people often ignored and unseen in the history of the painted portrait, particularly the Latino race/ethnicity. Matte black gesso creates a foundation of intensity and somberness to construct a version of the individual through a meticulous point system and linear comprehension of the face. High-realism allows the character, ethos, psychology, identity and appearance of the person to manifest. Large-scale provides a status as well as time for acknowledgment given the individuals frequent invisibility. The individuals Peraza chooses to paint are everyday people. They are immigrants. They are Canadian. They have stories and struggles. They provide consideration of their humanity, the artist's own humanity, our places in the world, and an interpretation of the face through paint.

The Thesis Award Show is a collaboration between ARTiculations, Graven Feather Studio and Akin Collective in support of graduating post secondary students. A call was sent out across the Province for applications in search of students demonstrating a coherent body of work unique in both concept and execution. Overwhelmed by the response, we extend a huge thank you to all of the applicants and congratulate this year's winner, Michelle Peraza. In addition to a solo exhibition Michelle will receive studio credit with Akin Collective as part of the award.

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