reviewvancouver: Enchanted Places: An exhibition by Chun Ping Huang

Enchanted Places: An exhibition by Chun Ping (Claire) Huang

Dates and Venue January 17 - Feb. 23, 2019, Mon.-Fri. 10am - 7:30pm & Sat. 11 am - 4pm. Amelia Douglas Gallery, Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave., New Westminster

Reviewer Christian Steckler

Once again, Claire Huang is show-casing her unique talent in an impressive 20-piece exhibition of her phantasmagoric paintings at the Douglas College campus in New Westminster. Those familiar with her work will anticipate her use of strong colours showing renderings of architectural themes in muted expressions, evoking mystery and, indeed, mysticism. Huang’s play of light and shadow in fragmented impressions of edifices, both exterior and interior, reflects memories, wishes, dreams and imaginings of places she has experienced. When viewing, stand back, and get the full impact.

Some of her paintings will show scenes recognizable to local Vancouver residents. Others will engender memories of scenes in Europe and beyond. Whether her subject is majestic architecture or commonplace structure, the result is a soft, illusory evocation of wonder and yearning.

This exhibition shows an evolution in Huang’s subject matter by introducing paintings that venture into rustic scenes, including woods and water lands. Here, we see a similar dream-like quality of equally impressive ability - something to look forward to in future exhibits.

Huang’s work has been selected to represent Canada in international exhibitions. Her work is masterful, and would enhance any collection. For a short, refreshing respite from busy activity, drop by this exhibition, just inside the main Royal Avenue entrance of Douglas College. You’ll be re-energized.