Two Weeks In Autumn at Greener Pastures (1188 Queen West), to November 1. 416-977-7400. Rating: NNNN Rating: NNNN
two weeks in autumn surveys some of the city’s most vibrant young painters. The exhibition was cobbled together at the last minute, but haste has been kind to this show. It hangs together quite well. Brad Phillips does goth as it should be done – in black. The works are small, simple and riveting. Young Nathan James ‘s canvas is strewn with unicorns and colour blocks and is anchored by a large naked woman in a striking pose.
In Jay Isaac ‘s fantastic, decidedly dark work, human forms emerge from twisted shapes. Chris Rogers manipulates colour gradations to form bright backgrounds that highlight silhouetted fences and forests.
Gallery owner Kineko Ivic’ s unique paintings, with their signature glittery lumps, are scribbled with the names of old-school rap artists like NWA and Flava Flav – like a juvenile tribute.
Overall, the show does feel a bit juvenile, but it’s also an exciting glimpse of the future of painting in Toronto.
