"Flora and Fauna", solo show by Toronto-based artist Vicki Smith

“My recent collection, “Flora and Fauna”, is a series of paintings about the female form and the temporal interplay of light and energy within reflections of the natural environment.

As a sequel to my previous work, this collection elaborates on and extends the experience of peace by pairing swimmers with images of quiet reflected landscapes. Throughout this body of work the swimmers gently break the surface of the water, scattering the reflections which in turn distort and dissolve the body. Boundaries merge and mingle in a momentary exchange. Much like the practice of meditation, the swimmers revel in an experience that circumvents conscious thought and the complimentary images of reflective landscape nudge us back to a place of stillness and quiet focus. As always, my paintings are in pursuit of a calm and peaceful space.”

-Vicki Smith, 2024