NOTE: This piece was published in 2011, as Rachel MacFarlane was coming to wide public attention. Go to Hollis Taggart Gallery for an up to date look at her work today in the mainline New York art world.
This 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
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.
Also see more on Rachel MacFarlane’s blog. And on her Tumblr, here.
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I love art, thanks for sharing yours. I love the color in your creations. Great work!
Wow incredible work…very impressive. good find
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.
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.
wonderful work..
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.
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.
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!)
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
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.
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.
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.
muy buenas tecnicas mixtas
Gracias por su visita!
Nice!
Thanks for visiting (Love your Shutterfly book)
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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.
Amazing stuff you got here!