Opening Reception: Within the Forest by Gillian Iles

Gillian Iles’ paintings place you at moments of decision and consequence. She is a formidable
painter, but also a constructor of spaces that engage and implicate you. Perhaps you are
immersed in an exotic forest scene – but then you find clues and hints, interruptions of your
expectations, evidence that worldly power is at play. Systems of power, status, and value seethe within these works. The works, at once, reference geopolitical manoeuvres, the unbridled force of capital, and the shifting perceptions of an embodied individual. By flickering between points of view, or moments in time, the hubris and vanity of our systems are laid bare. We are caught between desire and revulsion, wondering how the story will unfold.

Fitting for this university setting, several of Iles’ works feature young protagonists. Perhaps disenfranchised within a world that is not of their making, these characters are at points of decision. Will they be co-opted into a compromised world, or is another world possible?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the exhibition is not currently open for spontaneous visits. Please join us for the opening reception and walkabout with the artist via Zoom:

https://redeemer-ca.zoom.us/j/84818243626
Meeting ID: 848 1824 3626

Biography
Gillian Iles’ practice consists of painting, sculpture and video/projection. She has exhibited in New York, San Francisco, Brooklyn, Chicago, Miami, Montreal and Toronto in public institutions, university galleries, artist-run-centres and commercial galleries. Her work has been highlighted in Canadian Art, Toronto Life Magazine, The National Post and The Globe and Mail. Gillian was a founding member of two artist-run galleries in Toronto – Propeller and Loop – and is currently a member of the Red Head Gallery in Toronto. Gillian teaches at the Ontario College of Art and Design, Sheridan College and the Toronto School of Art.