Danilo Gonzalez Interior I Acrylic on Canvas, 30" x 48"

Christopher Griffin Furious Drummer Oil on Canvas, 30" x 29"

february 16 - april 30, 2008

DANILO GONZALEZ, originally from the Dominican Republic, studied and worked in Apec, Paris and New York City before establishing his studio adjacent to the West Branch Gallery. His warm and lively works consider the roots of civilization, and its potential development in the future. Gonzalez sees the human pursuit of success as central to the organization of western civilizations, and tries to imagine a civilization that would allow for the success of all its members. Gonzalez’s current body of work, “Interiors”, is at once architectural and gestural. In the visual space Gonzalez creates, there is room for aspiration and fulfillment, and the excitement of fresh ideas.

In his 25 year history as an artist, he has exhibited works extensively in the United States, and in France, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Belgium, Cuba, Mexico, and Colombia.

CHRISTOPHER GRIFFIN, an artist living and working in Ottawa, Ontario, paints large energetic canvases brimming with memory and whimsy. Griffin’s works are inspired by his cultural experiences around the world, and are rooted in our shared humanity. In this show, Griffin brings us images conveying the spirit of place. From Turkey, he brings us a herd of goats, from Namibia a playful rhino. Reminiscent of ancient cave art, Griffin paints this natural world superimposing the visual noise of contemporary life. Griffin has successfully transcended the commonplace and has moved to the symbolic, inviting the viewer to associate their own spiritual, historical or cultural significance.