In Body, an exhibition which includes new portraits by PSA member Diliana Popova opens at the historic Gladstone Hotel on Friday September 4rd.
This exhibition addresses the duality of being in and out of oneself. Through the medium of portraits and figures Diliana, along with fellow emerging artists Lisa Cowen and Garrett Vitanza explore the inner states of their subjects as they appear to the outside observer. By contrasting physicality and spirituality, ‘In body’ puts a contemporary twist on an old dichotomy.
Inspired by the depth and expressive power of the human form, the paintings in this exhibition draw on various aspects of spirituality;  calling on sources derived from personal experience and both eastern and western scriptures. 
Meet the artists at the opening night reception on Thursday September 3rd from 7- 10pm at the Gladstone Hotel.

http://www.gladstonehotel.com/exhibitiondetail.cfm?id=2099

INFO:
In Body: and exhibition of paintings by Lisa Cowen, Diliana Popova and Garrett Vitanza
Sept. 4th – 17th.
Mon- Fri 12pm- 5pm.
Opening night reception: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 7-10 PM
Gladstone Hotel 
1214 Queen Street West Toronto ON M6J 1J6
www.dilianapopova.com
www.lisacowen.blogspot.com
www.garrettvitanzaart.blogspot.com

Congratulations to Diliana Popova who recently graduated from the ARA program.

Diliana has been a student with us for a number of years.  She teaches the ARA children's program as well as various workshops throughout the year.

Well done D!

About Diliana:

Painting for me is a ritual. It provides for me a window of perception which is unequalled by any other act. I find my inspiration and drive in the often imperceptible nuances of personality and the endless capacity for expression and meaning found in the human form.

My work consists mainly of studies of the human figure and portraiture. It is through these subjects that I have found the greatest freedom within my craft. My aim, every time charcoal touches paper or paint canvas, is to capture the unseen through the obvious; the tiny mechanism of the internal clock that all put together, show the uniqueness of a subject.

My greatest influences are found in El Greco and August Rodin for their unparalleled ability to animate the human figure.
I have been painting and drawing for as long as I can remember and have always been attracted to the more traditional side of the art spectrum. To me craft has always held a high place in the hierarchy of creating and the communication of the visual narrative. This led me to study Art History and Traditional Painting and Drawing techniques.

Diliana's website:  http://dilianapopova.com/painting/