Swiss-born painter, photographer and performance artist VAYA has her first solo show in Toronto, CHILD OF ROCK, at Urban Gallery, 400 Queen St East, throughout the month of September. The opening reception took place Thurs. Sept. 5th and gallery visitors were thrilled to meet the charming and engaging artist in person and viewing her unique artworks that included large format B&W fashion photographs and paintings built upon underlying photographic images of the artist herself. Pictured above: Vaya, 2nd from L, is joined by her husband as well as gallery director, Calvin Hambrook (L) and curator Allen Shugar (R)
The show also features a stunning portrait of pop culture idol, Jim Morrison, in an acrylic and oil print on textile… Vaya created a huge canvas especially for this show that takes up much of the gallery’s rear wall!An incisive & provocative artist, VAYA explores, mixes, meets and transcribes the darkness in the angels’ voices. An energetic claw on each canvas, VAYA dances as she works and often by candlelight to be closer to the imperceptible. “It’s always a discovery the next day in daylight.”
She also employs a camera to share her creativity, “A way of getting out of yourself and becoming your own observer is fun and fascinating”. VAYA has fun, dances, writes prayers on the souls of her music legend subjects. “I like to pay tribute to those who have suffered so much, laying some particles of peace over their restless souls – isn’t that the artist’s role? Transfigure suffering into masterpieces? In her own words….meet Vaya:
Local artist Jennifer Hossein was welcomed to the gallery by Calvin… (below)…and Allen welcomed first time visitors Maryam and her budding artist daughter Ayda (below)Of course, everyone wanted to check out Vaya’s exquisite footwear which were works of art themselves!If you’d like to learn more about this exciting new (to Toronto) artist, you can join Vaya at the gallery this coming Thursday Sept. 19 (6-7pm) for a special live performance of her music, dance and art. RSVP to attend: info@urbangallery.ca
CHILD OF ROCK runs until September 28th @ Urban Gallery, 400 Queen St East, Toronto www.UrbanGallery.ca