The current exhibit at the Gibson Gallery features a bit of the supernatural.
“Spectres & Spirits: A Supernatural Exhibit” is ongoing and runs through this Sunday. It features the work of Amherstburg resident Matthew Zaidan, with other pieces contributed by Bonnie Deslippe, Lisa Bassett-D’Alessandro, Brandon Kainz and Dorothy Cowan.
“It kind of came unexpectedly,” Zaidan said of the exhibit.
Zaidan explained another artist had been scheduled to fill that portion of the Gibson Gallery’s exhibit schedule but had to drop out. Zaidan is a member of the gallery’s exhibit committee and was encouraged by fellow members to be the artist to take over the slot.
Much of Zaidan’s work is from the last two years, he said, though there are a few older pieces including two that dates back to 2011. His work is mainly done in ink, though he has been working in graphite as well.
In collaboration with the other artists, they gave the show a Halloween theme and named it “Spectres & Spirits.” The reception last Saturday night included people dressed in Halloween costumes.
“It’s very spontaneous,” he said of his work. “I don’t plan a lot of it. I just start going.”
Comparing it to a journal or diary, he said he lets out his thoughts and feelings through his artwork.
“I’m new as far as doing art on a professional level,” said Zaidan, noting this exhibit features the most pieces he has shown at any one time during an exhibit.
There is some dark imagery as part of the current exhibit, with Zaidan noting they are often symbols for what he is feeling. Such things as war, depravity and human greed haunt him and he expresses that through his art.
His artist statement states he “draws inspiration and unique perspectives from an uncommon and diverse background. His work fluctuates between the abstract and the surreal, embracing both chaos and meticulous detail. His self-directed journey into art has allowed him to develop an experimental and fluid approach. He likes to envision each artwork as an independent life form, constantly morphing, adapting, and evolving to suit its individual environment, and allowing each viewer to engage their own imagination and form their own personal connection with the subject.”
Zaidan said he has enjoyed art since he was a child. He said he is largely self-taught.
“I’ve always done it,” he said. “I’ve never had any form of training other than art classes in school.”
Zaidan’s career has varied and has included real estate and development to his current employment as the graphic designer at the River Town Times. He said there were gaps in time periods when he did art but delved deeper into his work during various lockdowns during the pandemic. That allowed him to build his portfolio.
Zaidan noted he was encouraged by his wife Tammy in addition to the members of the gallery. He said he wouldn’t be there without their support. He also acknowledged exhibit committee chair Trudy Dempsey and the work she has done for both him and the gallery. Dempsey has temporarily stepped away from the gallery due to personal reasons.
“I dedicate this to her,” he said. “She’s the backbone of the gallery. It’s hard to fill her shoes.”
The Gibson Gallery is open to Fall season hours, Thursday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
“Spectres & Spirits” on exhibit at The Gibson Gallery
By Ron Giofu
Opmerkingen