A selection of recent work by Toronto-based artist Alex Garant (previously featured here). A pioneer of Contemporary Figurative Op Art, Garant’s oil paintings combine graphic qualities with traditional portrait techniques. Patterns, duplication, symmetry, and image superposition are key elements of her imagery as are themes of self-definition and the duality between our inner selves and outer personas. As Garant states further:

“Creating during the pandemic has been more challenging than usual, like all creative beings, navigating the ups and downs of this new reality was sometimes an emotional battle. My most recent pieces are inspired by self-reflection and specifically the role of self-inflicted appearances. Our constructed nature fighting with our instinctive core often results in the persona we end up presenting to outsiders. While some obvious elements featured in my work is riding the line between kitsch and whimsy, the expression of the characters can be perceived as melancholic and naive, longing for love and acceptance.”

Check out more images below!