Press Release

‘Show Gallery’ Opening

Vitalism: a Force of Nature

“Vitalism is the doctrine that “vital forces” are active in living organisms, so that life cannot be explained solely by mechanism.  That element is often referred to as the ‘vital spark’ or energy which some equate with the soul”. Wikipedia

Toronto, ON, May 24, 2007 – June 14, Show Gallery at, 978 Queen St. West, is pleased to announce its new multi-media exhibition, Vitalism: A Force of Nature by the artist, Lavarius.  Lavarius brings a unique and dynamic approach to his art, utilizing nature and light as media tools.  The exhibition is grounded in vitalism, which posits the life force as the animating characteristic of his art.  The exhibition utilizes various media to demonstrate this concept; it introduces the Highlight display feature, incorporates live-streaming, pod-cast painting, and a storefront screening of the video “The Power of Water”.

In keeping with this naturalistic style, Lavarius uses tools and materials that are applied to, or come from the earth.  He paints mainly with trowel, pastel, charcoal, acrylic, mica, lavarock, glass-bead, fibres, granite dust, efflorescence, and florescence.  At the same time as he is grounded in the earth and nature, one can see that he is an artist who imaginatively incorporates all the advances of technology to highlight the vitality of life.

Lavarius acknowledges the impact of substance use and madness in his own life, but he seems undaunted.  He has chosen ‘to live in colour’, creating bold and enlivening art, both as a means of exploring identity, and the path to recovery.  His art is bright and expressive, as though free from doubt and torment. It would appear that the past holds no dominion.  Instead, he is located in the enjoyment of the moment with nature as his muse, his pleasure, and his anchor to wellness.

Inspiration “Where does the creation of a painting begin, where does it end?  When intense feelings merge deep within a person and idea bursts forth as lava from a volcano, is this not the emergence of a suddenly created work, brutal if you want, but certainly great, and bearing a superhuman aspect?” - Gauguin