LUKE HILLESTAD 'HERB LORE' / RICHARD AHNERT 'BETTER DAYS'
November 12– December 3, 2022
Opening Reception: Saturday November 12 , 2022 - 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
https://www.copronason.com/nov22_pr.html
LUKE HILLESTAD 'HERB LORE' / RICHARD AHNERT 'BETTER DAYS'
Luke Hillestad 'Herb Lore'
Copro Gallery presents for his 3rd solo exhibition at the gallery Luke Hillestad's 'Herb Lore'. Luke will be present at the exhibition. Herb Lore is painted tales and allegories of ritual flowers, mushrooms, and vision-bending poisons. Story is the ark of memory, and through illustrated lore, we recall the ways in which our ancestors used these common herbs and weeds; from healing rituals to magical rites, for spiritual protection and vision quests. Together with his herbalist wife, surrounded by the prairies
where these herbs grow, Luke Hillestad took oil to hemp and flax to craft this series over long pandemic months. Luke Hillestad paints mythological dreamscapes interweaving poetic darkness and glow, from his home studio in rural Minnesota. His works have featured in the collections of galleries, patrons, and museums world-wide, including France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Norway, the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and in the US in New York and Los Angeles. Luke studied classical guitar and painting at University, and apprenticed master painter Odd Nerdrum at his studios for nine months in Norway and Paris.
Richard Ahnert 'Better Days'
TORONTO-BASED ARTIST RICHARD AHNERT TAKES ANTHROPOMORPHIC PAINTING TO A NEW LEVEL, LACING IT WITH A QUIET, YET UNMISTAKABLE ANIMISM – AN ABIDING KINSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN AND ANIMAL
He uses the relationship between animals and humans to explore themes of emotion, metaphor, and narrative with a satirical twist. Storytelling, understated humour, and deep reflection are at the heart of his practice.
BIO - Richard graduated with honors from the Arts York Program at Unionville HS with a Major in Visual Arts and went on to study Technical Illustration and Graphic Design at York University and Seneca College, graduating with the Presidents Honor Roll for Highest Academic Achievement. With a drive to explore and evolve as an artist, He continues studies and workshops ongoing to help define his style and practice.
Richard began exhibiting his work in 2010 and has shown in exhibitions and galleries in both Canada and the States. His work has won awards and can be found in private collections and businesses around the world.#