Gizem Candan & Jihane Mossalim, May 12 – June 18, 2021

Artists Talk & Virtual Vernissage: Wednesday May 19, 7:00pm-8:00pm.

From May 12 to June 18, Sivarulrasa Gallery is pleased to present CLOSE TO HOME, a duo exhibition of new works by Toronto-based artist Gizem Candan and Montreal-based artist Jihane Mossalim. As of Friday June 11, the exhibition can be viewed in-person during our regular Gallery hours, Tuesdays to Sundays 11am-5pm.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, and now based in Toronto, artist Gizem Candan’s work is inspired by her surroundings and the people in her life. Her works explore psychological states, using multidisciplinary techniques in oil painting and assemblage. Her subjects range from self-portraits and portraits of people she has met, to puppets she has created, to objects in her environment. Much of her work is introspective, juxtaposing objects and people to explore states of tension and suspense. She works with a vibrant palette based primarily in oils, with canvas, linen, and paper as her supports.

Born in Montreal, artist Jihane Mossalim‘s work explores memory, at both the individual and group level. Family traditions, childhood, and institutions all serve as settings where her characters mingle and interact. The artist collects old photos, thrown away or sold at auction. Sometimes they are pictures of her own past: her mother, father, or distant family. Sometimes she asks friends to provide old photos from their family collections. She works primarily in oils, carefully selecting scenes and faces that she wants to “bring back to life.” The resulting paintings are foreign and familiar at the same time, evoking an eerie intimacy.

Artists Talk & Virtual Vernissage: Wednesday May 19, 7:00pm-8:00pm. Artists Gizem Candan and Jihane Mossalim will join us live via Zoom to talk about their work and inspiration. You can join us from the comfort of your home through a video link that can be accessed on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Please email us at [email protected] and we will send you the link.