Preston Pavlis

Preston Pavlis’ work on canvas and fabric represents his interest in the fusion of painting and textiles as a means to explore narrative, form, and colour. Focused on poetic association and metaphor, the resulting works in oil, embroidery, and collage are personal charts for time and memory. The works situate solitary figures on often non-descript grounds, their gazes shifting between the viewer and somewhere beyond their space. Whether their expressions are pensive, ebullient, or intentional– they possess a palpable interiority. Pavlis’ figures convey a subtle energy and a deep sense of presence that is enhanced by their imposing scale.

Preston Pavlis (b. 1999, Loma Linda, California) currently lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he is completing his studies at the Nova Scotia College of Arts and Design. Pavlis has presented his work in solo and group exhibitions at Half Gallery (New York), Guts Gallery (London), the Winnipeg Art Gallery (Winnipeg), and Spurs Gallery (Beijing), among others. His work is part of the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto), and has been featured in publications such as BlackFlash, esse arts + opinions, and C Magazine.