Submitted by Cajsa Fredin
Executive Director

Connection + Place is the current exhibition at Pynelogs Cultural Centre and Art Gallery. The showcase began on July 13, and will run until Aug 1, featuring the visions of six unique artists as they explore the post-pandemic, “new normal.”

Although it has been a year of social distancing, fluctuating restrictions, and mandatory face masks, some individuals have used this time to fuel their creativity, creating works that portray this shift around human interaction. 

The point of the work is exploring change in relationships— with ourselves, others and the natural world around us. Is what we are taking from the world in balance with what we give?  

Japhy Hunt explores the theme of disconnect and disparity through thought-provoking imagery. His use of humour highlights the extreme duality of human nature and the differences that make us unique also make us vulnerable. 

Kimberly Olson’s, “Islands of Peace,” draws on these same themes through abstractions. She contrasts the negative and positive space in painting to bring a lightness to her work. Her goal is to use art as a way to tap into the philosophy of human emotion.

With striking poignancy, Jack Olson’s reflective paintings of COVID-19 investigate human vulnerability through forced disconnect and the emotional toll of separation while deconstructing the concept of invincibility.  

Paulina Stankovski and Mimi Sahlstrom, use their artwork to show how humanity’s imagination patiently awaits and coaxes the possibility of joy in the everyday magic of nature and humanity.  Symbolic of the Columbia Valley, their pieces aim to understand the changing landscape of connection. By using bold colours and the constant theme of nature, they remind us of our place and our tenuous time. 

This exhibit can be found at Pynelogs, Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you cannot make it in person, it will also be showcased at www.columbiavalleyarts.com for online viewing.