Object Record
Images
Metadata
Artist |
Armstrong, John |
Title |
William |
Accession # |
999.3.97 |
Object Type |
mixed media painting |
Date |
1993 |
Medium |
oil on cibachrome |
Support |
hardboard |
Dimensions |
H-163 W-132 D-4.5 cm |
Description |
John Armstrong's work combines text, illustrations, and observational still-life painting to create a conversation. Borrowing from overlapping traditions of painting as both a commercial and fine art medium, Armstrong thinks of these varied approaches to painting as separate languages with often conflicting aims. Sources for his work include posters, magazines, product packaging, cut flowers, drinking glasses, and cleaning products. Armstrong places images and text on painterly abstract grounds, as well as a number of other surfaces and objects, to further extend their poetic or editorial direction. This piece depicts a floral linen textile pattern designed by William Morris on an oval stretcher with yellow roses painted on top. William is a piece with incredible depth and texture. The image printed on hardboard looks like a quilted fabric, to which the artist adds thick applications of paint to enhance the flowers depicted. Biographical Information: John Armstrong is a Toronto-based artist who has exhibited his solo work in Toronto galleries such as YYZ, Cold City and Birganart. Armstrong studied at the Chelsea School of Art in London, England, at the Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, and at York University in Toronto. Armstrong focuses on collaboration in his works, having collaborated with the Paris-based artist Paul Collins since 2000. Armstrong has exhibited his work in Toronto galleries such as YYZ, Cold City, and Robert Birch. From 1991 to 1997, Armstrong was a member of the Board of Directors of the Artist Run Center, Mercer Union, in Toronto. Armstrong has curated exhibitions for the Museum for Textiles, the Harbourfront Centre, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, and Artspace. In 1999, Armstrong began collaborating with Parisian artist, Paul Collins, creating painting, writing, photography, performance, and video works. Armstrong and Collins have exhibited their work in numerous group and solo exhibitions across Canada as well as France, Germany, and China. Armstrong and Collins are represented by General Hardware Contemporary in Toronto. |