A few days ago, the Galerie d’Arts Contemporains presented an exhibition of Andrea Blanar’s latest work at 2140 Crescent street in Montreal.The exhibition is on from 18th of October to 31st of October. The gallery is situated near the unofficial hub of “latest trends“ in Art. It is a short walking distance from the Museum of Fine Arts. Descending a few steps from the street, entering the gallery, one enters another world of the mysterious silence of New Brunswick marshes.

The paintings are mostly landscapes. The themes of the artworks are landscapes enriched by a suggestion of magic are the locale of Andrea’s studio at the maritimes. The formats of the pictures are subtly innovative; the rectangular format of the tableaux are extended beyond frontal plane of the pictures onto its sides, lifting it out of the wall surface. It guarantees its being as a slice of reality, and not just a window opening. There is a suggestion of other worldliness in the other formats presented in pictures that are shaped like gothic arches of church windows, framing a view of the marshes with swaying rushes rendered with loving care.

While a few paintings are in the conventional format others are presented in a playful mode, inviting the viewer to contemplate on many levels of concepts offered. There are also a few truly imaginative pieces of ex-furniture, that have been granted a new sphere of existence by enshrouding in a landscape – thus (almost ) becoming an icon to be worshipped. All pieces of art presented are witness to the technical excellence of the artist in the various kind of art; either in two or three dimensions.

Andrea Blanar is an artist of notable achievements; She had, up to date, 31 solo shows, in group exhibitions in Canada, USA and China and has been the recipient of a number of awards. Andrea has served as a lecturer at our three universities in Montreal and, above all, as the founder and guiding spirit of the Canadian Hungarian Artists’ Collective.

Rose Szasz