Contemporary Calgary Presents In Extremis: A Pandemic Diary of Light and Colour by Saskatoon Artist Marie Lannoo

Calgary, Alta (July 3, 2023) - Contemporary Calgary (701, 11 Street SW) is pleased to invite the media for a special preview of In Extremis by Marie Lannoo, guest curated by Wayne Baerwaldt, whose curatorial vision has been featured in TIME magazine as well as renowned art catalogues. An abstract painter, Saskatoon-based Marie Lannoo has been applying layers of transparent acrylic colour on various support surfaces for more than three decades. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lannoo returned to canvas for the first time in 25 years with a tremendous level of freedom. She never predicted that a global pandemic and lockdown would open the creative floodgates to produce 36 of the most resonant works of her career. The resulting series of paintings in this touring solo exhibition facilitates a remarkably intimate level of experiential contact with the viewer. The Guest Curator for this exhibition, Wayne Baerwaldt, and the artist, Marie Lannoo, are available for interviews on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Contemporary Calgary from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. MDT - Please RSVP to ellen@parkerpr.ca. Lannoo’s work is conceptually groundbreaking and non-objective, as she uses substantial knowledge of art and science to investigate light as the basis for her colour field paintings. “In Extremis is an apt title for a body of work and a dedicated book that extends the illusive studio experience of the paintings. The studio was where I made the most profound connection with my materials and with my artistic self to embody the feelings of that connection in the work. When I was in this place of deep connection and feeling, time dissolved and slipped away. I also wanted to extend the connection to realize an innovative publication, to reproduce the true essence of my paintings in print media,” says artist Marie Lannoo. In Extremis celebrates Lannoo's achievement in achieving unparalleled luminosity and complexity, showcasing her ability to evoke profound sensory experiences through colour. “Lannoo's career-long pursuit of controlled colour application transcends the canvas, inviting viewers to engage with the interplay of light and colour. In Extremis encapsulates Lannoo's artistic journey, illustrating her commitment to pushing the boundaries of colour and light in contemporary painting, offering audiences an immersive exploration of her transformative work,” adds curator Wayne Baerwaldt. The exhibition will run from July 4, 2024, to October 13, 2024, in Contemporary Calgary’s newly renovated Morris & Ann Dancyger Observatory Gallery. To book interviews and view the artwork, please email ellen@parkerpr.ca and newsbob@parkerpr.ca.