Galerie Old Chelsea is pleased to present the fascinating art on “Codes” by three artists: Patti Lefebvre, Luigina Baratto and Patricia Slighte. As they explain “Codes are ubiquitous, and we constantly try to uncover their existence, purpose and scope. Life and existence are inseparable from codes. We recognize that the genetic code determines our characteristics, such as behaviour, skin tone, height, and sex but we create other codes as well, such as dress codes, Morse codes, code of ethics, mathematical codes, languages, and passwords. These codes can be secret, tacitly understood, taught, or shared with everyone. The ability to communicate, progress, and evolve would not be possible without codes”.
Art is a symbolic code that enables us to ascribe meaning to what we see in an image. Throughout history, painters and sculptors have used colour and shape as implicit codes, the meaning of which is deciphered by those who know. When we look at art, we interpret it consciously or subconsciously based on our codes. However, art seeks to break down these codes, mix them up, toss them around, and invent new ones for us to discover. This is where the artist begins, with a blank canvas, either with or without a pre-existing code. Modern, abstract, cubism, and renaissance art, all have their codes. When we mix them up or create new ones, we initiate a dialogue with the audience, inviting them to participate in the game "Can you find the code?" "Can you decipher it?" and "What key does the artist give you to translate the message?"
The art works by this collective explore the code by which we live. We invite you to explore this world with them.
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Patti Lefebvre is originally from Ottawa where she resides. She graduated from the Diploma Program at the Ottawa School of Art in 1999. Her artistic journey encompasses a variety of printmaking techniques, including linocut and monoprint, alongside painting, mixed media, and surface pattern design. Influenced by Abstract Expressionism and Decorative Arts, her abstract pieces showcase a captivating blend of pattern, colour, and shape. Patti's work has been featured in numerous group shows and is held in many private collections.
Luigina Baratto has been living in Canada since the age of 12, having immigrated from South America with her Italian parents. Luigina is a self-taught textile and paper printing artist, and a fibre art printmaker who enjoys teaching, learning and exploring new techniques through her artistic journey. She often uses her printed fabrics to make unique garments. An active participant in collective print exhibits and solo felted garments exhibits, Luigina is now exploring and expanding her technical knowledge.
Patricia Slighte is an artist/designer originally from Toronto. She graduated from the Ontario College of Art, now OCAD University, and pursued a career in Interior Design. She later moved to Yellowknife, NT where she was involved with several public art installations, collaborative projects, painting, and printmaking. She discovered monotype printmaking several years ago and with the availability of a printing press in Yellowknife, she was hooked. Printmaking has now become her passion as she continues to learn and explore. Since moving to Ottawa in 2020, she has become involved with the Ottawa Gatineau Printmaking Collective providing her with a new outlook and new possibilities.