Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Magic on the Wall: More from the SOYRA Exhibition

I took many photographs of the art on display at the Aurora Cultural Centre for SOYRA’s (Society of York Region Artists) 25th-anniversary show and sale, which began last week. I had the great opportunity to participate, and it was an amazing experience to be both the photographer and observer at the event.

I’ve never been a big critic of art, and perhaps I’m still not, but photographing it allows me to zoom in on one piece at a time and see more—let alone enjoy it for a longer period. I particularly enjoy paying close attention to the backgrounds when I photograph. It really makes a difference in the overall impact

When taking nature photos, the background effect can vary depending on where you stand. However, when photographing something that hangs on the wall, your options are limited. To achieve different effects, you often need to take angled photos. This means you have to rely on the person who places the artwork to position it correctly. Backdrops, wall textures, wall colours, and even lighting are all essential for the effective presentation of the art.

Shawna Patenaude, a member of Society of York Region Artists, was instrumental in the art presentation at the Aurora Cultural Centre. She was responsible for hanging 120 pieces of art across all the rooms. With various wall colours, layouts, locations, and 120 unique pieces of different sizes and shapes, there were many variables to consider. I must say, she did an amazing job.

The first room to visit is the Red Room. As soon as you enter, you definitely can’t miss the elephants. I remember pointing them out as soon as I arrived, and I heard others do the same – ‘Oh, elephants!

Just to the left, a stunning fireplace painting hangs in the center of the room. When you arrive, it immediately gives off a sense of warmth and creates a welcoming atmosphere.

But something will draw you in even more: the bright red in your peripheral vision. I never realized that red-themed paintings could look so striking against a red-painted wall.

Society of York Region Artists

I honestly thought everything was a painting, but I was wrong. Take this rustic object photo with a painted background—I mistook it for a painting at first. I was fooled by a set of fascinating photographs.

I was also tricked by Jennifer’s Isaac Petch House painting (the bricks look so real) and Shawna’s wet green apple (the water droplets looked so realistic). Sometimes, I get mixed up between what’s real and what’s not, and it truly takes a talented artist to create that illusion.

I really enjoyed the matching green and brown tones in the photographs, framed in dark gold metallic frames that beautifully separate the subject from the background. I have a semi-long hallway like that in my house, and I may just borrow this scheme for my own space.

And there are blues, soothing, calming blues – the art on the blue wall.

Opposite the blue wall was a room with off-white walls and subdued lighting. Purple is such an interesting color, and now I can see how well it complements lighter walls and softer natural light.

I’ve never been a big fan of yellow, but just look at this setting – it really keeps you open-minded.

I have this artwork on the wall in my living room, and now I understand why it always felt out of place.

COMMENTS

Marvin said: January 30, 2012 at 23:46

Lovely elephants! I like the blue-grey wall too.

Susan said: January 31, 2012 at 12:05

I really enjoyed this article – it clearly demonstrates the challenges of curating a show and hanging art in “just the right place”. Your photos are excellent!

James said: January 31, 2012 at 21:20

Great narrative and photos of this exhibit, Anna.

Cathy Gifford said: March 18, 2012 at 15:02

Great Photos! I was the one who had the clay masks and the dog looking scared is so funny, I love it!!!

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