FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2023
Somewhere: Barbara Cole’s romantic vision of time past and present unfolds in underwater photographs merging
ethereal figures with historical architecture in a new solo exhibition at Bau-Xi Gallery
Toronto, ON – Fine art photographer Barbara Cole presents Somewhere, a new solo exhibition at Bau-Xi Gallery, on view December 1 – 22, 2023.
In Somewhere, Cole continues her transformative explorations of the female figure, place, and the imagination by merging the historical with the emotional in depictions of dreamscapes in which women float across adorned interiors ranging from Versailles to Munich to Turin. By combining her pioneering underwater photography with historical architecture, Cole creates timeless, ethereal scenes that exist between the real and the imagined, pushing the narrative possibilities of the photograph further forward.
Photographs from Somewhere made their first appearance in Cole’s recent book, Between Worlds, published by teNeues publishing house. Now, at Bau-Xi Gallery, viewers can experience this otherworldly series in person and meet the artist at the opening reception on December 2, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 PM.
Somewhere Statement
Somewhere is ultimately about the joy of play, transcending time and perception. It merges the worlds of the underwater and the above water experience, tracing historical eras and the multiplicity of human emotions. It is an exploration of the spaces that ignite our imaginations, where friendships flourish and individuals find their own unique expression. Within the luxurious surroundings and the rich tapestry of the imagination, a beautiful alchemy emerges: a harmonious blending of elements that sparks the creation of something truly extraordinary
In this series, Cole continues her exploration into the transformative nature of the figure within dreamlike scenes, where women float across spaces adorned with heavy chandeliers, wide marble steps, gilded mirrors, and centuries-old master portraits. There is an otherworldliness that cloaks these scenes, enticing viewers to embrace a sense of wonder and enter a realm that exists between the real and the imagined.
Exhibition Details
Somewhere
December 1 – 22, 2023
Opening Reception
Saturday December 2, 2023
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Location
Bau-Xi Gallery
1384 Dufferin St. Toronto
About Barbara Cole
Barbara Cole is a fine art photographer working in several photographic mediums, including underwater photography and modernized wet collodion. She was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1953. Her work is noted for its ethereal imagery depicting figures in various states of weightlessness, transformation, and self-actualization. As an innovator in her field, Cole’s use of traditional and inventive techniques are part of her ongoing search for timelessness. She has held numerous exhibitions across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Her work has also been extensively commissioned internationally for corporate collections. She has exhibited in the Canadian Embassy in both Tokyo and Washington D.C. The acclaimed documentary series Snapshot: The Art of Photography II, features an episode devoted exclusively to Cole’s photographic practice. She recently released her new book, Between Worlds, published by teNeues publishing house.
Website: www.barbaracole.com
Instagram: @barbaracoleart
About Bau-Xi Gallery
Bau-Xi Gallery was founded in Vancouver in 1965 to showcase the many Canadian artists in need of gallery representation on the West Coast. Today, the Bau-Xi group of galleries represents emerging and established visual artists across a variety of media and genres, remaining committed to the promotion and presentation of exceptional contemporary art. Bau-Xi Gallery has flagship locations in Toronto and Vancouver. Bau-Xi Gallery acquired Foster/White Gallery (Seattle) in 2001, most recently acquiring Canada House Gallery (Banff) in 2018.
Website: www.bau-xi.com
Instagram: @bauxigallery
