Colour + Featuring David Cantine & Robert Dmytruk  August 10 - September 28, 2019   Opening Reception & Royal High Tea - 2-5 PM, Saturday, August 10, 2019

Vision carries color. Although the other senses have used color metaphorically to describe auditory, tactile or sensations of smell, it is only through vision that we can experience color. We cannot discern red through our touch nor hear it although it may come to mind when we touch something hot or hear a siren.  Color is an intrinsic definer that allows us to conceptually realize subtle shades of variation in the physical world, in order to distinguish objects one from the other. An orange may disappear in an orange-colored bowl for instance or a green snake in green grass. Nature uses color to differentiate, attract, signal, and in nature the ability to recognize the significance of color can be a matter of life or death – once again that snake…  Visual artists use color as one of their tools, one that is very specific to the discipline. The upcoming exhibition at Headbones Gallery features two practiced artists where color means more than its name. The recent works of Summerland’s Robert Dmytruk and Edmonton’s David Cantine are brought together under the title COLOR +, each artist having added their personal touch onto color.  David Cantine has worked with four circles and hundreds (maybe thousands) of variations of colors within a rectangular format for over forty years. Within a philosophy of the many permutations and sheer engaging interest, of focusing within a model, Cantine explores the very essence of color which is color’s variance and relational impact. Color theory, which first appeared in the renaissance, has been a base-in-trade during art education but despite the urge to pin color down to a pattern, because of the many color theories formed on patterning that work in contest, the area has remained still open for exploration in a way that appeals as much to the mind as to the senses. It is this methodical, open-ended variance that sparks David Cantine’s work.  Robert Dmytruk first studied under David Cantine and their friendship and professional liaison continues to this day. Dmytruk uses color as nature does. He explores a number of patterns, sets up relationships between ground and object, size and composition, edges and insides so that although there is a mechanical method – as in a repetition of shapes or the repeated use of cut-outs, templates and screens, the artist-at-play with the wit of circumstance is evident.  His work reflects engagement and as if cleaning up a potential for chaos employs the trait that so often calms stress – play. It would be hard to attribute angst to Dmytruk’s works. Patterns grant regular or intelligible forms that coincide with the desire for stability. They mark space and lend reference. Dmytruk’s patterning gives the illusion of relief as he visually plays with the vertical surface.  Gathered at the same table once again for COLOR +, Dmytruk is generous and gives a lot from a full banquet array.  Cantine has culled and with precision offers a wealth of options from a spare plate. The meat of the matter, the common staple for each, has been color. The plus sign is personal; for Cantine it is a basic recipe, for Dmytruk a cacciatore. But the main ingredient remains the same – COLOR.  COLOR +  with David Cantine and Robert Dmytruk opens at Headbones Gallery, Saturday August 10, 2-5 PM. The public is welcome and the artists will both be in attendance. The exhibition closes September 28.