An exhibition in Gallery I, March 31 – May 12, 2023

Reception/Meet the Artist: Saturday April 1, 2pm-4pm

From March 31 to May 12, Sivarulrasa Gallery is pleased to present IRYNA MERKULOVA: BLIND CONTOUR, Montreal-based artist Iryna Merkulova‘s first solo exhibition. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Iryna Merkulova completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (with Distinction) in 2021 at Concordia University. Her studio practice is mainly focused on painting and drawing with occasional work in video and other media.

Her new body of paintings in Blind Contour explores urban neighbourhoods in Montreal, drawing attention to the idea of making existing urban spaces more humane. “As an immigrant, I have always been looking to establish attachment to different places to rediscover a place of belonging, a feeling of home and re-define an evolved self-identity,” she says. “Globalization, shifting job markets, and economic needs have resulted in gentrification of neighbourhoods and a decline in the individual’s involvement in local communities with further alienation of each person from society.”

Iryna Merkulova’s observations blend inner and outer worlds, using reflections and juxtapositions to fracture familiar spaces. The paintings require viewers to slow down their eyes’ journey and pay attention to the details of the objects and places depicted. Through her work, the artist intends to encourage viewers to take a closer look at the places and objects in their immediate neighbourhoods, to find purpose and beauty, and to question the significance of material goods in our lives.

Iryna Merkulova’s works have been exhibited in Montreal and Toronto, and are held in many private collections. The artist gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Reception/Meet the Artist: Saturday April 1, 2pm-4pm. Artist Iryna Merkulova will be in attendance.

Contact the Gallery: Call 613-256-8033 or email [email protected] for queries, or visit our Virtual Gallery under “New Arrivals: Gallery I”