Untitled (23.14), 2003
Mixed media on canvas
20” x 16”
Untitled (23.15), 2003
Mixed media on canvas
51” x 36”
Untitled (24.01), 2003
Mixed media on canvas
24 1/4” x 24 1/2”
Untitled (24.02), 2003
Mixed media on canvas
24” x 24”
Winter 1, 1999
Mixed media on canvas
62" x 62"
Untitled (96.07), 1995
Oil on mylar
14" x 11"
Untitled [99.10], 1996
Oil on mylar
14" x 11"
Untitled [99.11], 1999
Oil on mylar
14" x 11"
Untitled [99.12], 1999
Oil on mylar
14" x 11"
Untitled [99.15], 1999
Oil on mylar
14" x 11"
In her Berkeley studio, Canan Tolon’s unique technique has developed: on canvas, oxidizing metal is trapped within the medium of paint. A selection of the resulting colorful, multi-paneled abstract paintings will serve to demonstrate the artist’s visceral process.
Canan Tolon is known for inventive work in a variety of media, including sculptural installations. (She is also an architect with degrees from Germany, England and UC Berkeley, and has designed furniture.) Her approach with each material and discipline involves scrutinizing her materials and subjugating the raw elements to a test or metamorphosis. For example, to make drawings she uses a knife, manipulating oil paint over mylar sheets. Her sculpture, which can be kinetic, has employed rusting metal, sprouting grass seeds and mirrors.
In her paintings she develops and shapes rust cultures, and transfers the patterns onto canvas. With regard to this process she explains:
“Reactions initiate my work. These are discrete, almost visible reactions which could easily be overlooked if they were not provoked and created on the canvas. I use materials which react with each other, and as they do so, they leave the marks of their transformation”
Aside from many presentations in this country, Canan Tolon’s work has been exhibited in France and Turkey with frequent exhibitions at Galerie Nev in Istanbul and Ankara. The publication, Limbo, published in 1998 by Galerie Nev and available during the Gallery Paule Anglim show, features a fascinating interview by curator Constance Lewallen of the Berkeley Art Museum.
Copyright Gallery Paule Anglim
14 Geary Street | San Francisco, CA 94108 | 415.433.2710
