Shatilla show brightens up Victoria Avenue

Entitled 'Defeating Victory', Shatilla's vibrant exhibition offers a welcome contrast to the bleak greys of a Victoria Avenue winter. The show assaults the eyes with boldly coloured images that serve as a running commentary on modern life.

From relatively simple portraits to intricately detailed excursions into all-out surrealism, Shatilla's paintings don't just speak to the viewer — they shout from across the room, each one demanding that its hip, political slogan be heard above the others.

Two of the outstanding exhibits, 'Gay Wedding' and the title piece, 'Defeating Victory,' are large, thoughtfully plotted works that make overt political statements through a visual labyrinth of finely brushed detail. Shatilla is especially good at conveying unmistakable messages through his loud, bright images, and this current collection of wry, witty and altogether engaging comments on contemporary society is not to be missed.

A Montreal-based artist who currently teaches at the Visual Arts Centre, Shatilla holds a BFA degree in printmaking from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, as well as an MFA in painting and drawing from Concordia University. His work has not only been exhibited locally, but also in the United States, Bulgaria and Australia. • 'Defeating Victory,' an exhibition of paintings by Ian Shatilla, remains on display in the McClure Gallery of the Visual Arts Centre, 350 Victoria Ave., through Jan. 30. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 514-488-9558.