Paul Bandejs in front of his work. Photo: Phil Anderson
Walking into the small space of Cell Gallery at Gallery 1313 vibrant canvases greet the visitor in Paul Brandejs show, 49 Years Later. Each work consists of photographs that is painted on top; certainly not a novel idea, but it is the canvas itself that sculpted into various forms that make this exhibition stand out. The scenes portrayed are both in natural and city environments mainly in the Czech Republic, the artist’s birthplace, where he visited for the first time this year since immigrating with his family 49 years earlier.
Installation view of Paul Bandejs, 49 Years Later at Gallery 1313, 2016. Courtesy of the artist
It is a unique experience interacting with these works. I find my focus bouncing between the work’s three components: photograph, paint, and three-dimensional canvas. At first I am really just enthralled by these unique canvases. I stand staring just inches away from the piece in front of me, moving over the curves and edges to follow the scene across its mountain-like foundation. The central point of the canvas where your eye is first drawn is the photograph; showing what the eye truly sees in real life. But as my eyes search the canvas towards the outer edges where Brandejs adds the vibrant acrylic paint; another layer opens up. Brandejs’ abstract compositions encapsulate the physical and emotional beauty of the world around him and they evoke memories and feelings.
Paul Bandejs, Red Roofs, 2016, acrylic, photography and found material on shaped canvas, 36 x 46 x 4 inches. Courtesy of the artist
Bandejs captures the atmosphere of both the landscape and city settings. When the artist sees me completely lost in a city-scape, he tells me that it is the depiction of an old city in the Czech Republic. I tell him how strong is the feeling that I have been there before. Though I have never actually traveled to the Czech Republic, his work transports me to the streets of another European city that I have explored. The motion on the canvas carries the viewer’s eyes upwards to the sky. I am reminded of times I have walked on old cobblestones through narrow streets with my head tilted up so I can follow the maze of buildings above me where towers and rooftops are slowly revealed. Since it is so beautiful and inviting I develop a desire to be in this scene in front of me.
Paul Bandejs, Here they come, 42 x 26 x 4.5 inches (left) and 5 after 6, 45 x 20 x 4 inches (right); both 2016, acrylic, photography and found material on shaped canvas. Courtesy of the artist
Visiting the places of his childhood after such a long time, seeing them through an adult’s eyes who spend his life far away is an interesting but also challenging experience both visually and emotionally. 49 Years Later successfully combine Bandejs’ memories of his native city Prague with his new reflections.
Carter Brown
*Exhibition information: November 9 – 20, 2016, Gallery 1313, 1313 Queen Street West, Toronto. Gallery hours: Wed – Sun:1 – 6 pm.