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.
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B. 1999, Loma Linda, California, US. Lives and works in Halifax, CA
Education
Current - Nova Scotia College of Arts and Design, Halifax, CA
2019 Diploma of Fine Arts, MacEwan University, Edmonton, CA
Solo Exhibitions
2021 Still ready to curse and rage, Bradley Ertaskiran, Montreal, CA
Group Exhibitions
2023 Beyond the Veil, Guts Gallery, UK
2022 Transmissions, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Winnipeg, CA
2022 Last Call (curated by Danny Báez), Bradley Ertaskiran, Montreal, CA
2022 Salon, Guts Gallery, London, UK
2022 Conversation, Mayten’s Projects, Toronto, CA
2022 In Good Company, Art Gallery of St. Albert, St. Albert, CA
2021 Apostolic Succession, Spurs Gallery, Beijing, CN
2021Conversation, Mayten’s, Toronto, CA
2021 FRIEND ZONE, curated by Vaughn Spann, Half Gallery, New York, USA
2020 It’s About Time: Dancing Black in Canada 1900 – 1970 and Now, The John and Maggie Mitchell Art Gallery, Edmonton, CA
2020 As the snail takes the shape of its shell, the plumb, Toronto, CA
2019 BMO 1st Art Competition, MOCA, Toronto, CA