By Robin Thorneycroft
A show by Canadian contemporary artist Joseph Plaskett is a perfect fit for Centretown’s Wallack Galleries.
Like Wallack’s, internationally recognized Plaskett has catered to the tastes of art lovers rather than art critics.
Plaskett has exhibited periodically at Wallack Galleries for more than 20 years.
His current show, Table and Beyond, captures the still life of flowers and gardens in vivid colour.
His works incorporate bright oranges and purples with softer colours to present still life with a very flat perspective and little perception of depth.
Plaskett switched from abstract painting in his early career to the still life and florals he is famous for, which earned him the scorn of some critics.
Originally from B.C., he studied at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco and went on to be principal of the Winnipeg School of Art.
He took up painting full time in 1949. That same year he visited Paris, where he still lives today, splitting his time between there and a cottage in Suffolk, England.
Like Plaskett, Wallack Galleries has been criticized over the lack of political or confrontational works in its exhibits.
Gallery manager Dan Pellerin stands by the gallery’s decision to sell what people want, as well as to show good art.
“As art changes, so does the gallery — to reflect what is going on,” says Pellerin.
“We want to continue on the same path we have taken, and hopefully with all of the great changes going on in the neighbourhood, that will be reflected in the gallery as well. You’re only as good as your community.”
Plaskett is just one of the many artists the gallery exhibits, since it established itself in the 1960s as a premiere venue for Canadian contemporary art.
“We’ve stuck to demands for decent quality,” says owner John Wallack. “We represent very good artists and built a following. We are an art dealer in the true sense, not just a picture vendor.”
The gallery is a family business. It evolved from Wallack’s Art and Drafting Supplies which has been operating on Bank Street for over 60 years.
The gallery focuses beyond Ottawa and the surrounding area.
“We are questioned about serving local artists better, but on the other hand we bring in other artists and show the [community],” says Wallack. “It is not a matter of where you are from but a matter of what you do.”
Plaskett’s exhibit is at Wallack Galleries until Oct.12. Next, will be a group show of paintings of Newfoundland, arriving sometime in November.