Jane Michiel presents
Charisma
at the Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square
September 21 - October 10, 2021
Great Opening on Sept 24 with artist in attendance!
Other times to visit Jane are:
Sept 29 and Oct 6 11:00-2:00
Oct 2, 2:00-4:00 and Oct 10 12:00-4:00.
Charisma
at the Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square
September 21 - October 10, 2021
Great Opening on Sept 24 with artist in attendance!
Other times to visit Jane are:
Sept 29 and Oct 6 11:00-2:00
Oct 2, 2:00-4:00 and Oct 10 12:00-4:00.
Detail: Loc Beads, acrylic on canvas, 48x36 in, 2021.
The word charisma is rich with historical references. 17th century Christians viewed charism as a spiritual gift from God. The Greek word kharisma comes from a root word meaning grace or benevolence. Contemporary meanings are more secular, and include a mixture of charm and status. In her new series Charisma, visual artist Jane Michiel adds her own perspective to the mix. She explores the topic using the fertile terrain of female faces.
Jane Michiel has a five year history with Gage Gallery and is currently a board member. The creativity of her 20 colleagues inspires her, and she enjoys the freedom of being part of a non-profit organization. Focusing on faces for Charisma, a solo exhibition, is a first for Michiel. “I’ve always been intrigued by what transforms a woman,” she says. “How education, culture, and family all play a part.”
Judy, acrylic on canvas, 36x36 in, 2021. Photo: Greg Glover.
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Solo, acrylic on canvas, 20x20 in, 2021. Photo: Greg Glover.
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To help capture the mysterious essence of personhood, text accompanies some portraits.
“As a visual artist, I rarely get to use words,” Michiel says, “so I played with it a bit.”
“As a visual artist, I rarely get to use words,” Michiel says, “so I played with it a bit.”
Here is a description of Marie:
…always late, and always concerned.
She floated into every meeting,
rushed and a tad dishevelled.
She wasn’t aware
that this was just part of her charm….
…always late, and always concerned.
She floated into every meeting,
rushed and a tad dishevelled.
She wasn’t aware
that this was just part of her charm….
Sunnies are a group of sunglass-wearing eccentrics who radiate a unique charm.
These women are not traditional beauties but shine with personality and a touch of mischief.
These women are not traditional beauties but shine with personality and a touch of mischief.
Marie, acrylic on canvas, quadtych, each 12x12 in, 2021.
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Sunnies, acrylic on canvas, quadtych, each 12x12 in, 2021.
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Art is not what you see, but what you make others see and feel. French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas (1834-1917)
This quote from Degas resonates with Michiel. She is interested in how her paintings affect viewers and collectors. The faces she paints are from her imagination and slightly abstracted. She paints quickly, moving confidently between abstraction and realism. “I get an image in my mind and begin to paint without any preliminary drawing,” she says.
This quote from Degas resonates with Michiel. She is interested in how her paintings affect viewers and collectors. The faces she paints are from her imagination and slightly abstracted. She paints quickly, moving confidently between abstraction and realism. “I get an image in my mind and begin to paint without any preliminary drawing,” she says.
In Charisma, paint is loosely applied to broad areas of the canvas. These areas of rusty ochre and velvety charcoal twinkle with gold leaf patterns. Deep blues tones add a sensual quality. Out of this darker ground the face projects like a lunar orb, bright and mysterious. The almond-shaped face is articulated with make-up. An abstracted hand brushes a cheek.
Loc Beads is a joyful celebration of vibrant colour and Caribbean style. Relaxed and confident, the woman is surrounded by a waterfall arrangement of dreads, tied with colourful beads. The sunny palette of bright orange, blue, yellow and white is repeated throughout the head gear. These harmonious echoing hues unite the unusual composition.
Charisma, acrylic on canvas, 36x30 in, 2021. Photo: Greg Glover.
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Loc Beads, acrylic on canvas, 48x36 in, 2021.
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Michiel’s interest in other cultures and costuming comes from her travels and education. For many years she worked as a Steward on ferries running between Vancouver and Seattle. This allowed her to spent six months a year in Mexico. The sparkling blue waters of Cozumel, the lush colours and Caribbean light resonate throughout her artwork. “Living in Mexico city created a new standard of beauty for me,” she says. In the markets and village squares she noticed women’s geniality and confidence. Michiel marvelled at the vivid colours and embroidery of traditional clothing. She delighted in the colourful drama of fiesta costumes, parades and religious pageantry.
A few years ago, Jane and her husband toured Europe. They visited castles, city centres, cathedrals and opera houses, fascinated by the architecture and fellow tourists. “Art Galleries and museums are well-supported in Europe,” she says, “adding to the cultural richness.” One of Michiel’s favourite artists is Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) a native of Austria. She favours Klimt’s style of contrasting darker areas with splashes of bright colour and metallic highlights. Michiel carefully studied Klimt’s portrait series, which chronicles the unfolding of his relationship with his lover. “I was impressed by the amount of emotion he conveyed through facial expressions,” she says.
Lana, acrylic on canvas, 30x30 in, 2021
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Plenty of Fish in the Sea, acrylic on canvas, 30x30 in, 2021
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Michiel also worked in the cosmetic industry as a make-up artist. She discovered that women became more confident and charismatic when their self-esteem increased. “These transformations really intrigued me,” she says, "it’s that kind of charisma I have tried to capture in the solo show.” Michiel believes that vitality and optimism ignite a radiant countenance. This special glow may be glimpsed when visiting the visages at Charisma. You might encounter a mysterious smile or someone familiar.
Someone you’d like to know better - or maybe even take home!
Someone you’d like to know better - or maybe even take home!
Jane Michiel welcomes your interest and can be reached at: janegirljane@hotmail.com
Visit Jane's Blog here:
instagram: @janemichiel
Visit Jane's Blog here:
instagram: @janemichiel
Gage Gallery Arts Collective, 19 Bastion Square, Victoria BC. V8W 1H9
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 5:00. Sundays, 12:00 - 4:00. Phone: 250 592-2760
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 5:00. Sundays, 12:00 - 4:00. Phone: 250 592-2760
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Friends, acrylic on canvas, a series, each 12x9 in, 2021
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Charisma is a wonderful show! Photo below of the Opening on Sept 24, 5:00-7:30 with artist in attendance.
Other times to visit Jane are: Sept 29 and Oct 6 11:00-2:00 and Oct 2, 2:00-4:00 and Oct 10 12:00-4:00.
Other times to visit Jane are: Sept 29 and Oct 6 11:00-2:00 and Oct 2, 2:00-4:00 and Oct 10 12:00-4:00.
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Web Design and Content by Kate Cino Arts writer published in Focus on Victoria, Yam and Boulevard. History in Art degree and Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria This website and its content is copyright of Art Openings, 2009. All rights reserved. Written permission is required for reproduction of photos or text. kate-cino@shaw.ca 250 598-4009 |
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