On March 1st, Anna Curnes opened her first solo art show “It Started in Paris” at ALG Fine Art. As the founder and director of ALG Fine Art, this art show is a culmination of her growth in the role of both artist and curator, bringing experimental and intimate art experiences to life.
The narrative of “It Started in Paris” follows her 5 week residency in France. It was a physical journey to iconic locations at the heart of French art including Arles, where Van Gogh lived and painted and Monet’s garden in Giverny. It was also an emotional journey as she learned the power of simplifying expectations, embracing curiosity, and breaking down perfectionism to accept what is.
“It Started in Paris” is showing at ALG Fine Art until April 12th. Join this journey of discovery and creative freedom and immerse yourself in extraordinary kaleidoscoped lucite, mixed media, and fused glass creations.
A New Perspective on Paris
The first and last stop on Anna’s trip, her memories of Paris are framed by her artistic development as she rediscovered her voice. She went on this artist residency to trace the steps of Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and other impressionists, and to find inspiration for a new chapter in her art. What she discovered was the courage to face herself as an artist.
“Paris Minded” is an installation of 20 lucite and thrown glass artworks, each offering a unique snapshot of this iconic landmark.
Explore Anna’s other perspectives on Paris in “Dreaming of Paris” and “Evening in Paris.”
Telling Her Story Her Way
In “It Started in Paris,” Anna debuts a proprietary “thrown glass” approach, pushing the boundaries of her glass art. She threw glass off the roof of ALG Fine Art and used the resulting pieces as they were to create new and interesting glass fusions. Each piece tells a story of how simplifying expectations led to healing, embracing curiosity led to courage and breaking down perfectionism led to balance.
“Let It Be I & II” is inspired by her experience visiting Mount St. Victorie. Anna quickly realized why Cézanne painted this scene of natural beauty so many times. The changing clouds changed the light and completely changed the colors and shadows of the mountain. It was an inspiration to accept what is and is meant to be.
“Let It Shimmer” is Anna’s rendition of the scenery that inspired Van Gogh’s “Starry Night Over the Rhône.” She paid particular attention to the reflection of the sunlight on the water, creating stars even in the day. It captures the feeling of knowing you are where you are meant to be.
Also explore “Let It Go,” “Let It Breathe,” “Let It Grow,” “Let It Resonate” and “Let It Live.”
Self-acceptance, Self-Love and Self-Celebration
In response to her experiences in France, Anna undertook a series of portraits in a distinctive raised acrylic style. These portraits, inspired by Van Gogh’s self-portraiture, represent her overcoming self-doubt and letting herself experiment with her bold voice and unique perspective.
“Let It Be Beautiful” has floral patterning around the figure as a depiction of Anna’s unique imagination, a difference she learned to celebrate and embrace.
The rest of the series includes “Let It Be Bold,” “Let It Be Now,” “Let It Be Bright” and “Let It Be Free.”
Historic Landscapes in a Contemporary Style
Anna was of course taken by the stunning landscapes across France. She captured the beauty she witnessed in sets of limited edition lucite sculptures and prints. Behind the beauty is a lesson. A lesson in appreciating the unexpected and having the courage to embrace curiosity.
The lavender fields were not nearly as lush as Anna expected because she realized too late that she had mistaken July for June and missed their prime time. A first she was disappointed. Then her eyes wandered to the olive groves. It wasn’t a sight she’d planned to paint but she was drawn to their strength. Her pivot was rewarded by some of her favourite pieces “Lavender Fields I,” “Lavender Fields II” and “Olive Groves.”
See also “Wild One I,” “Wild One II,” “French Reflections I,” “French Reflections II” and “French Reflections III.”
Self-Reflections in the Mirror
Anna creates bold, bright and unexpected pieces combining glass art with mirrors. It invites the viewer to become part of the artwork, stepping into frame and seeing themselves in a new light.
“Let It Thrive” combines Anna’s memorable mirror artwork with her new “thrown glass” technique, inviting us all to see ourselves in this powerful and intimate exploration of an artist rediscovering her voice.
Explore “Wild & Windblown I,” “Drama Mirror I,” “Drama Mirror II” and “Grace Mirrors.”
You have until April 12th to step into “It Started in Paris” at ALG Fine Art and immerse yourself in Anna’s bold and unapologetic collection. Our opening hours are Wednesday – Saturday 11am-4pm or book an appointment.
