Transcendence Revisited June 2, 2011

Abstract painters Anne Barkley (eastern Ontario) and Serafino Catallo (Toronto) show their latest series in their first joint exhibition since 2006. “Transcendence Revisited” opens with a public reception on Thursday, June 2 (6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.), in conjunction with the monthly Yorkville Art Gallery Walk, and runs to June 25, 2011 at Leonardo Galleries in Yorkville.

Anne Barkley, who is an elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists, states, “For me the pleasure and satisfaction of painting is always in making the art. At present, my interest is in finding freedom and complexity in simple shapes and beautiful colours that will engage and challenge the viewer’s imagination.”

Serafino Catallo, who holds a 1996 honours degree Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University, states, “My most recent work reflects my interest in space, mood, surface tension and its effect on our consciousness. I am also interested in the ephemeral. Colour transparency in my work is exploited, its emotional value used to link the viewer to a spiritual landscape.”

Barkley, whose influences include Piet Mondrian's purposefully imbalanced Neo-Plasticism and Mark Rothko's gentle gradients, knows that the viewer's participation in her work is vital and endeavours to communicate, to capture something of the spirit of people and their environments. Serenity, determination, passion, harmony and freedom intuitively guide her work, and colour, shape, texture, value, movement and rhythm are some of the tools of her trade.

Barkley lives on a farm in Williamsburg, Ontario (near Ottawa) and is an internationally exhibited artist, recently showing in Ottawa, Toronto, New York City and by invitation at the Biennale International Contemporary Art Exhibition in Florence, Italy. Her award-winning work is held in public and private collections across Canada.

Serafino Catallo gained experience with unorthodox techniques including staining, dripping, sanding and etching in textures working in ateliers under internationally renowned artists.

His new collection reflects his keen interest in the abstract and relationships between colour, line and form. Spheres and other graphic markings tenuously float above the landscapes of imagery, appreciated for their implications of space and direction, their graphic appeal as both symbols and anecdotes and their expressive, asymmetrical qualities.

Catallo’s works, which are inspired by mid-twentieth century painters such as Rothko and Helen Frankenthaler, are celebrated in many international private, public and corporate collections and commissions including AT&T, Chrysler Corporation and Enwave Energy Corporation.

For more exhibit information visit; http://www.leonardogalleries.com.

As a member of the Yorkville Art Galleries Collective, Leonardo Galleries participates in the free monthly Yorkville Art Gallery Walk, which is held the first Thursday of each month and coincides with exhibition openings.

Leonardo Galleries, Toronto is devoted to the promotion of contemporary art. The gallery represents local and international artists and has a significant collection of works of art in painting, print-media, sculpture and photography. Leonardo Galleries also specializes in conservation framing and expert art restoration.

Official Website: http://www.leonardogalleries.com