Shimmy

Toronto-based painter Angela Leach has been creating acrylic paintings entitled Abstract Repeat since 1999. The works consist of ordered sequences of colour that form patterns and add volume to the picture plane. These complex repetitions are often related to the work of British Op artist Bridget Riley. However, Leach’s paintings are a brilliant amalgamation of her studies in weaving, textile design and painting. The artist was employed for eleven years as a hand weaver for a coat manufacturer. Leach states, “In order to incorporate the experience of weaving into the practice of painting – order and repetition, elementary to the process of weaving, were applied to the placement of colour. By using a strict regiment to arrange colour: a certain number of colours, a certain order in which to repeat the colours, and marking out grid combinations using curved templates, an effect similar to woven fabric occurred.” In their earliest manifestation, the Abstract Repeat series consisted of small, detailed works. After receiving a challenge from Curator Gordon Hatt, Leach recently began creating paintings on a larger scale, boldly addressing the extent of the human body. The outcome is the visually sensational AR Wave Large Series. Shimmy offers a gallery overflowing with Leach’s swirling patterns as well as a three dimensional, collaborative sculpture with designer Petra de Mooy. The sculpture (Untitled) is a logical departure from the illusory sense of space in Leach’s undulating canvases.

Shimmy is organized by Gordon Hatt, Director/Curator of Rodman Hall, Brock University and is concluding its cross-Canada tour at the Doris McCarthy Gallery, University of Toronto at Scarborough. Shimmy is accompanied by a 48 page, colour catalogue co-published by the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Cambridge Galleries, Owens Art Gallery, Rodman Hall Arts Centre and the Doris McCarthy Gallery. The publication features essays by Emily Falvey and Gordon Hatt.