This recent graduate of the Ontario College of Art & Design has her first solo exhibit through Nov 5 at Nicholas Metivier, one of Toronto’s top galleries, which has shown her work since 2009. She’s clearly a young artist to watch, especially since Metivier seems to have a keen sense for identifying the up and coming. Witness the success of Stephen Appleby-Barr, also a Metivier artist, whose work is so popular there’s a waiting list. Rachel MacFarlane appears to have the same potential momentum with her colorful, kaleidoscopic work.
MacFarlane “uses tiny maquettes made of found refuse that serve as references for painted worlds that fall somewhere between mimetic representation and abstraction. Through a two-step process of translating and transforming, materials that are considered unattractive and unwanted become the basis for imaginary painted spaces.” Nicholas Metivier Gallery
Passageway , 2011, oil on canvas, 20 x 16 inches
The bold, near-psychedelic colour and the overlapping, wrapping and twisted planes of MacFarlane’s work reference Cubism and Surrealism, but the style is uniquely her own.
Expedition, 2011, oil on mylar, 40 x 63 inches
Also see more on Rachel MacFarlane’s blog.
Wow — incredible work. Thank you for including the link to her blog as well — I can’t wait to see more.
She’s amazing, isn’t she? BTW I love your who is this . . . chick explanation on your About page. LOL and so well written.
Very interestinng work and super colours. They remind me a bit of 1930s posters (particularly the Russion mechanistic kind) with lots more added blue. Am particularly taken with ‘Expedition’. Had a look at all the images via that link and found it quite overwhelming – so much energy! Thank you for sharing this info
Interesting observation about the 1930s, hadn’t thought of that. Your’e right about her energy, too. Thanks for your comments.
Her work is very special. The colors, beautiful and the shapes, mesmerizing. Her “Passages” work kept me staring at all the ins and outs of the 3-D looking painting.
They are compelling.
Ronnie
It’s so interesting how each of her paintings captivates people in so many different ways, and I only had room for a few. Yes as well on the 3-D comment, kind of surrealistic. Thanks.
Seeing a talented artist gain some notice is a feeling of accomplishment for any of us involved in creative pursuits: like writing!
Ronnie
They’re really pretty
cool! very original
Cool!
I particularly like Expedition 2011. Great find!
Expedition seems to be many people’s favorites. I wish I’d had room to put everything she’s currently painted up. Her work is so intricate.
interesting images, ‘Passageway’ creates an element of a broken society which is then given hope through choice of colours and shape. GREAT WORK.
No wonder you like her colors! I had a look at yours, beautiful. I really like your observation about the broken society. Thanks.
Wow…all of these look awesome. She definitely has a unique style that’s very catchy to the eye. Thanks for sharing!
Eye catching indeed, and I think that’s what first pulls you in. And then you see the technique. Thanks for visiting.
Wonderful site, and the artist you feature are superb. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for the support. I”m a newish blogger and I really appreciate visits and feedback and comments.
you have the talent.. keep it up… nice write up. c:
http://travellersdiningdepot.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/jamie-olivers-perfect-steak/
Thank you. (Love the Gustavian Way!)
Wow! That is great work! Thank you for the exposing me to such a great artist..I “follow” with high hopes of seeing more great artist!
Oh you’re so welcome. Thank you for the follow. Your blog looks great. Maniac is on my list to watch.
i’ve never really “painted”. it depends on your definition. but i’ve always like abstract work more than anything. This is AMAZING!!
Yes there’s really something special about her work, and she’s still so young.
Great work love to watch this kinda art
LOVE your art designs. Do you sell them?
Amazing stuff you got here!
Very talented, original, and abstract.
http://kalafels.wordpress.com/
To Cathy, easytoconfess, Jacqueline, Curious90, skyislandtoursjr, colourfulfoods and Kalafels – Thank you all so much for taking the time to come to this blog and make a comment. It’s been kind of hectic, being on Freshly Pressed, but what I like most is the chance to go to each of your sites and see what fellow bloggers are doing. Appreciated.
Nice!
Thanks for visiting (Love your Shutterfly book)
muy buenas tecnicas mixtas
Gracias por su visita!
I love the colors! They’re so vibrant. They also work really well together. Lovely!
I agree about the colors, really deep and true hues.
It’s great to see Canadian art being promoted on your blog. I never miss OCAD’s grad show in the hopes of coming across some unique work. Look forward to checking out your recommendations in the future!
I”m with you on the OCAD grad show. There is just so much talent in these schools. Thanks for your comments/support.
These are really paintings. I like the very last one. She is a really talented artist. Well written.
Lawlz.org: Funny Pictures and Videos
Thans for visiting, and for the opportunity to go to your blog and laugh out loud. Love it.
Thank you for taking the chance to visit. Your blog is also great to read.
She is a talented artist. And has to love the fact that she got freshly pressed during her spotlight on your blog!
Exactly. She’s the reason the blog was highlighted, and I’m sure we’re going to hear a lot more about her in the next few years. She’s also very productive, lots of work still coming out. Thanks for your comments
Beautiful colors!! Love it.
Thanks for visiting. You have an interesting, very readable blog. (Makes me think hard about how I behave next time I’m at the counter!)
I’ve never been a fan of pure abstract art, or Cubism and the like… but strangely I found myself enjoying Rachel’s work very much!
Perhaps because she is referencing real objects, and her paintings are so incredibly detailed and “alive” with color, that it tickles my mind and leaves me wondering,
“This looks familiar… what is it?”
I love how ordinary things appear magical through her eyes.
Her paintings don’t seem to confine themselves to a particular genre, and her color palate is so beautiful and ethereal. I can definitely understand why her pieces are so popular, as they appeal to a wide range of art lovers …including folks who generally avoid abstract, like myself.
HI Tara – Great observation on the paintings, especially your comment about the reference to real objects turning magical through her eyes. I think that’s absolutely part of the appeal. So many people feel pulled to this art, no matter what genre they normally prefer. Thank you for visiting. Love your blog.
Gorgeous products of arts! Thanks for sharing! BTW, It was photographed very neatly. It made the artworks more gorgeous!
You have a good point about the photography. Really makes a difference, doesn’t it. Thanks for your comments.
wonderful work..
I love reading about the successes and amazing talents of up-and-coming artists. Their stories give me hope!
Wow, you should have lots of hope. Your work is wonderful. Thanks for the comments.
Yeah good look on this new artist. Her style looks similar to some graffiti artists. Great stuff!!!
What a great point about the graffiti. I’d not thought of that. Thank you.
Wow incredible work…very impressive. good find
I love art, thanks for sharing yours. I love the color in your creations. Great work!
cool artwork…
These colourful paintings are really cool! Thanks for share it
Beautiful work !!
Simply amazing. Love the lines and the 3d effect. love it. thank you for sharing
http://valentinedefrancis.blogspot.com
Yes, the 3-D element is a stunner. BTW you are telling an amazing story on your blog. Congratulations.
Great Work….thanks for including her link also…….
Wow! very talented artist!
Beautiful. So many artists are scared to use colour but Macfarlane uses it skillfully and in a very effective way.
That’s an interesting truth about color. You’re right. You don’t usually see this depth and intensity. Thanks.
Very interestinng work and super colours.
Very intriguing!! . . . Love the 3-D imagery!!
http://arabianmusings.wordpress.com/
The 3-D element is really gripping, isn’t it. Thanks for your comment.
Yay! Let’s give it up for our Canadian artists!!
I”m absolutely with you there. Too little known about them, but it’s changing. Thanks.
You have a wonderful imagination!
Thanks for your comments, glad you enjoyed Rachel’s art.
nice color combination
Exceptional use of color, very complex but balanced. Intriguing work, thanks for sharing this!
Wow, the work is truly amazing!!!
To Spiritual Healing, Composerinthegarden and pinkeleeclad – thank you for visiting, and taking the time to comment. So many people have found her art stunning, I’m sure we’ll see more advances in color and form from her in the future.
Oh, WOW!! thank you for sharing this!!!
She’s great, isn’t she? Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Simply beautiful!
Thanks for stopping by.
Its a joy to see young artists being recognized!
I agree on young artists, and her gallery should get credit as well for promoting so many of them. Appreciate your comment.
Great Blog i come again to your blog …..:)
see this
http://www.allitreview.com/
Thank you for your comment. You’re welcome anytime.
Great link !! Thanks.
There’s been so much reaction to her art. She really hits it, doesn’t she?