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Chilcotin
2/99, 1999
acrylic on
canvas
160 x 81 cm
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September 22 - November 18,
2000
presented by
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epic landscape and coast of British Columbia is the subject of the works
of renowned painter, Takao Tanabe. Originated by the Kelowna Art
Gallery, Takao Tanabe: wet
coasts and dry lands surveys
work from 1984 to present including 21 paintings, 4 woodblock prints and
4 watercolours. Following the Kelowna showing, the exhibition will tour
to public galleries in BC though 2002, the first circulating exhibition
of Tanabe's work in more than 20 years.
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Errington
Sunset 4/88, 1988 acrylic on canvas 122 x 183cm
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| Tanabe's
reverence for nature and the inspiration of the West Coast landscape is
evident in his statement:
The
west coast has its bright, clear days where all is revealed, but the
views I favour are the grey mists, the rain obscured islands and the
clouds that hide the details. However much we desire order and clarity
in all the details of our lives, there are always unexpected events that
cloud and change our course. Life is ragged. The typical weather of the
coast is like that, just enough detail revealed to make it interesting
but not so clear as to be banal or overwhelming. It can be a metaphor
for life.
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Chilcotin Plateau 1/98,
1998 acrylic on canvas 66 x 142cm
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| Tanabe
was born in Prince Rupert (1926) and has lived and worked in Japan, the
United States and various cities across Canada.
In 1980 he settled permanently in the small community of
Errington on Vancouver Island, which is the subject of many works.
An internationally acclaimed artist, Tanabe has had solo
exhibitions in New York, Japan, Italy and England and numerous public
galleries across Canada. He has garnered numerous awards that include:
Doctor of Letters (Hon.) from Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design;
D.F.A. (Hon) from University of Lethbridge, Alberta; and the Order of
British Columbia. In 1999
he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. Tanabe’s works are
represented in more than 50 public gallery and 120 corporate collections
in Canada and internationally.
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Low Tide 2/94 Hesquiot
Bay, 1994 acrylic on canvas 76 x 137cm
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Roger
Boulet is the guest curator for the Tanabe exhibition and author of the
catalogue essay.
The
Kelowna Art Gallery would like to acknowledge the generous sponsorship
of
Scotiabank
Group.
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Low Tide 7/89, Tidal
Pass, 1989 acrylic on canvas 66 x 122cm
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Installation Photo
His Excellency, John Ralston
Saul, speaks to guests during a special reception and tour of the exhibition.
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