Magic On The Wall, More Of SOYRA Exhibition

I took many many photographs of the art on the wall that is exhibited at the Aurora Cultural Centre. It is the SOYRA’s 25th anniversary show and sale exhibit which started last week and I had this great opportunity to participate. It was great experience to be at the show as the photographer and observer.

I never was a big critic of the art before and perhaps I am not now but photographing art helps me to zoom one piece at a time and see more, never mind to enjoy it for a longer period of time. I like to pay a lot attention to the backgrounds when I photograph. It really makes a big difference.


When taking nature photos depending where you stand you can get different background effect. However, for something that hangs on the wall you don’t have lot of choices but to take angled photos in stead if you wish for different effects. Thus you need to rely on the person to place the art in the right place. Backdrops, wall textures, wall colors, and even light is essential for the effective presentation of the art.


Shawna Patenaude was instrumental in the art presentation at the Aurora Cultural Centre. She was in charge of hanging 120 art pieces inside the all rooms. Different color walls, different wall layouts, locations and 120 unique art pieces, different sizes and shapes that is lot of variables to play with. I must say she did amazing job.

The first room to visit is the Red Room. Soon as you arrive you definitely will not miss the elephants. As I recall I pointed out soon as I arrived and I heard others do the same – oh elephants.


Just beside on the left a stunning fire place painting resides. It is placed in the middle of the room and when you arrive gives you the sens of warmth and welcomed atmosphere.


But something will draw you in more, it is the bright red in your peripheral vision. I never knew that red themed paintings can look so good on the red painted wall.


I really thought that everything was paintings, but I was wrong. Look at this rustic object photo with painted background, I mistaken for painting. I was fooled – a set of interesting photographs that is.

Well I was fooled by Jennifer’s Isaac Petch House painting (so real bricks) and Shawna’s wet apple – green (so real water drops). Sometimes I just get mixed up what is real and what is not, and it takes a good artist to create that illusion.


I really enjoyed the matching green to green and brown colors on the photographs with a dark, gold, metallic frames to separate the subject from the background. I have semi long hallway like that in my house and I may just copy this scheme.


And there are blues, soothing, calming blues – the art on the blue wall.


Opposite to the blue wall was the room with off white walls and subdued light. Purple is a very interesting color and now I can see how well it goes with lighter walls and less natural light.


Never been a big fan of yellows, but just look at this setting. Keeps you open minded.


So I have this artwork on the wall in my living room and now I know why it always feels like it was out of place.