Artcore

presented at the Laboratory for Modern and Contemporary Art, Vicenza, Italy

Italian Motorsports oil on canvas 32" X 42" 1998

Senza Pb oil on canvas 33" X 43" 1998

In the Studio 1945 oil on canvas 50" X 52" 1998

Alter Ego July 3 - August 29, 1999 Graham and Yawnghwe's collaborative paintings take their cue from the contemporary culture in which the artists find themselves immersed. Images from fashion magazines, advertising, television and film are appropriated as familiar contemporary visual markers, and presented in a new way, combined with elements of urban culture or, increasingly, juxtaposed with subtle references to historically recognized paintings. Fashion models are surrounded by graffiti, or lounge in Brueghelesque landscapes. Contrary to other contemporary collectives or duos which often emphasize the effacing of individual expression in multi-media works, Graham and Yawnghwe each maintain their distinct signature, and this within a single painting. The Laboratory for Modern and Contemporary Art (LaMec), located in the Palladian Basilica in the historic center of Vicenza, Italy, was opened in 1997 with the mandate of creating a forum for the presentation of new trends in international contemporary art. A particular focus on experimental projects and emerging artists allows new work to be shown in a museum setting, in a context where longer exhibitions of established modern artists are also held. With the goal of establishing Vicenza as a major center for art internationally, the LaMec is increasingly inviting foreign artists to exhibit. Vicenza is located in the north east of Italy, a half hour from the Venice Biennale. A full colour catalogue is available at the LaMec and at Artcore. For information, telephone Artcore in Toronto at (416) 920 3820

Artcore