Gerald Ferguson: Frottage Work 1994 - 2006, Ash Can paintings 2006

Opening Reception Thursday 10 May at 8 pm

This comprehensive survey presents selections from each series in Gerald Ferguson’s 15-year exploration of “frottage,” including fireback paintings, clothes line abstractions, rod, rope and hose works, drop cloth paintings, and fence and drain cover pieces, among others, culminating in a focused selection of the most recently finished series Ash Can paintings 2006. Ferguson’s frottage process involves placing raw canvas over various mundane objects and rollering paint across the surface; the resultant images are surprisingly rich and iconic, continuing the artist’s critical dialogue with Modernist painting. The exhibition includes 17 works that Ferguson has donated to the Dalhousie Art Gallery’s permanent collection, and is accompanied by an illustrated catalogue containing the artist’s commentary on the progress of this series. The exhibition is curated by Susan Gibson Garvey and supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.