Antoine Bittar - New Paintings

(at 2260 Oak Bay Avenue )

Preview Saturday, May 5, 2007 10 am - 5:30 pm

(work subject to prior sale)

Opening Reception Sunday, May 6, 2007 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Elizabeth Ely, harpist

Exhibition continues until May 26, 2007

In 1981 at the age of 24 Antoine Bittar was painting full time and was represented in several art galleries in Quebec. During a first painting trip in France in 1984, his inner revelation was to merge a fascination for exploration with his artistic soul. He enjoyed traveling to paint new colours while expressing his observations of fugitive light and subject matter. His quest was to seek out lyrical scenes in everyday life and to render them subtlely with a universal appeal. The subjects represented in his work became secondary as strength in expressing the essential emerged.

His style evokes mystery and often captures fleeing atmospheres, giving his work a unique flavour. Over the years, he has been represented in galleries across Canada and has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions.