Immaculate Deception

Johann Wessels
April 7 to July 8, 2018

In Immaculate Deception, Penticton-based artist Johann Wessels explores how art can trick both the eye and the mind to seduce and persuade its viewers. In this new series of works, paint and substrate form the foundation for a number of relics and artifacts the artist has created. Wessels has meticulously crafted these pieces and employed his arsenal of artistic tools to fool the viewer and reveal thrilling old tricks.

Art has served religion for centuries – consider Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, or the ceiling of The Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo. Throughout the history of art, it has also functioned as propaganda for ideology and consumerism. In Immaculate Deception, Wessels has taken a closer look at Western art symbols, reconstructing them in new and imagined ways, to draw attention to the value and status people have assigned to these icons and objects. The resulting works range from relics that appear to have been constructed in ancient times from natural materials like wood or rock, to painted depictions of artifacts that are glossy, rich, and ornate.

Born in South Africa, Wessels attended the University of the Freestate and graduated with a BA in Fine Art with majors in Printmaking, Drawing, and History of Art. Wessels taught printmaking and history of art at universities across South Africa. He also worked in the Canadian film and television business as an artist for many years. He now focuses his attention on fine art.

 

Artist’s Tour and Opening Reception
Friday, April 6
6 to 8 pm
This is a free event, open to members and guests by invitation.

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