Eileen Menzel, mixed media artist

Exit The theme of ‘opposites attract’ is a fascinating vehicle that has consistently shaped my mixed media painting. I’ve found it provides abundant scope for visual problem-solving, both perceptually and conceptually.

Perceptually, opposing elements are set up to work for and against each other to create a ‘frisson’ which attracts and holds the viewer’s eye.

Conceptually, ‘opposites attract’ provides the means by which opposing forces within the ideas of specific subject matter can be conveyed aesthetically, cognitively and effectively.

The subject matter of my recent work is based on the opposition of order and disarray in the construction of defensive walls in situations of tension and conflict. These are examined in a series of political, social and personal contexts. From Israeli security fences to psychological barriers of indifference and denial each image is manipulated with a layering of expressive gesture that has symbolic role in the essential core of the work. An overall interplay of atmospheric light and space unifies the opposing forces while leaving room for the possibility of varied interpretations.

New work develops the subject of walls as abstracted planes of colour and value which intercept interior and exterior spaces, like area divisions. Some are delineated as buffers between the oppositions of what may be an inner sanctum and the perceived fear of outside disruption.

I invite you to browse through my work in the galleries found on this site, or view them in person at an upcoming exhibition as indicated under the heading, ‘Upcoming Exhibitions’.

News

• Present - Dec. 2010 "Progressions", an exhibition of studio work, at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ont.

• Presently -Sep. 2010 at Royal Lepage, 5055 Plantation Place. Mississauga

• July 12 - Aug. 5 2010 "Impact", 18th Open Juried Exhibition, Neilson Park Creative Centre, Toronto, Award of Merit

• July 6 - 19, 2010 Society of Canadian Artists 42nd Open Juried exhibition, Todmorden PaperMill Gallery, Toronto

• Upcoming exhibitions:

- Oct. 29 - Nov 29, 2010 Art For All of Canada Gallery, Rainbow Cinemas Market Square, Front St., opposite the St Lawrence Market, Toronto, Ont.

- Jan 29 to March 6, 2011 The Colboure Art Gallery, Colboure, Ont. Guest exhiitor

Small Group Shows

• Jan 27 – Feb 15, 2009 'Green', Etobicoke Art Group exhibition, Neilson Park Cretive Centre, Toronto

• Jan 6 – 25, 2009 Etobicoke Art Group, Members' Choice Exhibition, Neilson Park Creative Centre

• Dec 9, 2008– Jan.6, 2009 Hallway Hype III, Neilson Park Creative Centre, Etobicoke

• 2007 Studio Tour, Napanee, Ont.

• 2006 Gallery 12, Belleville, Ont.

• 2006 2006 From the Ground Up, Praxis Gallery, Toronto

• 2006 Hallway Hype II, Neilson Park Creative Centre, Etobicoke, Ont.

• 2004 Colour Shift, Laurier Gallery, Toronto

• 2004 Hallway Hype I, Neilson Park Creative Centre, Etobicoke, Ont.

Selected Exhibitions in 2009

• May 9 – 2 Solo Exhibition, 'Walls,' An exhibition of mixed media paintings, Laurier Gallery 5118 Dundas St. W. Toronto

• July 9 - Aug. 9 The Ontario Society of Artists, Summer Exhibition, Dunn Street Gallery, 223 Church St, Oakville

• Aug. 8 and 9 The 2nd Biannual Hickory Lane Mid- Summer Studio Tour, Napanee, Ont.

• Aug. 4 – 30 The Colour and Form Society show at 1313 Gallery, Queen St W. Toronto, Ont.

• Aug. 15 – Sept. 6 7th Annual Square Foot Show, The AWOL Gallery, 78 Ossington St Toronto

• Sept. 12 Participant in the Believe to Achieve Art Show and Auction, Sherway Gardens, Toronto New and Emerging Artists, Living Art Centre, Mississauga

Eileen Menzel
Tel: 416-695-4378
Email: Please click here