Shows run: August 1 – September 4, 2026
Vernissage/Artists Reception: Saturday August 1, 2pm-4pm
From August 1 to September 4, Sivarulrasa Gallery is delighted to present MICHAEL PITTMAN: DARK LANDS AND DISTANT SHORES in Gallery I. The exhibition features a new body of work by Newfoundland-based artist Michael Pittman, inspired by his recent residency at a former military installation in Donegal, Ireland.
“Much of my work for the past two decades has been informed by a relationship with the physical environment and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador”, he says. “This preoccupation, in fact, began during my studies in Ireland nearly twenty years ago.” The artist draws many parallels between the harsh coastal environment in both locations, and the resilience of residents in the face of adversity. While acknowledging his status as a “visitor”, his explorations delve into regional folklore and economic hardships, uncovering the secret narratives and hidden histories which inform regional identity.
Michael Pittman’s recent work visually explores the impact of trauma and grief through landscape. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Memorial University, and a Masters degree on the visual culture of Newfoundland and Labrador from the Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland. Over the past decade, he has received multiple grants and awards for his artwork. His works are held in many private and public collections, including The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery, the City of St. John’s, the Waterford Institute of Technology, and Memorial University. The artist gratefully acknowledges the support of ArtsNL, Artlink (Donegal, Ireland), and Crux Art Inc. (NL, Canada) in the creation of this artwork.
BARBARA GAMBLE: ENCHANTED runs in Gallery III, featuring 8 works in oil and wax by Ottawa-based artist Barbara Gamble. “During the evolution of a painting, I become enchanted when the synergy of subject, imagination, and materials align”, she says. “The intense spell of creation continues until ultimately, the image exists as a unique presence.”
Barbara Gamble has made interpretive landscape paintings for over 45 years. Her works are influenced by experience, actions, and concerns related to the natural world. Her oil painting process involves the multi-layering of coloured waxes to create luminous surfaces. The resulting dimensional surfaces enhance the light and contrast found in nature.
Born in Ontario, she grew up in Canada’s Maritime provinces, lived in the United States and Europe, and settled in Ottawa. A passionate advocate for the arts, Barbara Gamble has also served in many volunteer positions in the cultural sector, including positions on the board of directors of the Ottawa Art Gallery, CARFAC National, and the Enriched Bread Artists. Her paintings are held in many private and public collections, including the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Ottawa Art Gallery, the City of Ottawa, and numerous corporate collections.
Meet the artists at the Vernissage/Artists Reception on Saturday August 1, 2pm-4pm!
For more information, visit our Exhibitions page:
https://sivarulrasa.com/exhibitions/
SIVARULRASA GALLERY
34 Mill St, Almonte ON
info@sivarulrasa.com
613-256-8033
