Summer 1981. For its first year of existence, the Montcalm gallery presents the work of the weaver Thoma Ewen. More than 40 years later, the artist reconnects with the place in a retrospective exhibition presented in Gatineau.
For me, the circle is closed
rejoices the artist from Val-des-Monts. I love the Montcalm gallery. I feel good there.
On display until March 23, Weaving and time shines the spotlight on 50 years of creation by Thoma Ewen, through a collection of around thirty works.
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A poster of Thoma Ewen’s exhibition presented in 1981 sits at the entrance to the gallery.
Photo : - / Marika Bellavance
The common thread of his work? Creations inspired by nature
she explains. There is a lot of light in my works. I think they exude a kind of calm
estimates the artist.
Here, woven threads form a flower in hues of blue, purple and pink. There, a fiery sun seems to spread its rays of light on a clear sky.
Always, the creations are rich in colors, sometimes bright, sometimes pastel.
I hope that visitors will feel the joy that I feel while weaving them.
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Artist Thoma Ewen has been creating works of textile art for around fifty years.
Photo: - / Hugo Bélanger
Among the recurring elements in his tapestries, the butterfly occupies an important place. From time to time, butterflies come to visit me in my mind and I have to weave them
argues Thoma Ewen, smirking.
On a tapestry, a butterfly gives the impression of settling on brown stones. In another, very small specimens swirl around a galaxy.
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-The image of the butterfly is often present in Thoma Ewen’s tapestries.
Photo : - / Marika Bellavance
The Outaouais artist is especially inspired by the symbol that this insect represents, more than by its simple beauty. The butterfly signifies transformation and evolution. He [évoque] the cycle of life
she specifies.
A love at first sight for textile art
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“Weaving and Time” includes around thirty works by the artist Thoma Ewen.
Photo : - / Marika Bellavance
It was through pottery that Thoma Ewen first learned about art. Her love for textiles developed a little later, but never left her after that.
I saw a traveling exhibition of tapestries by a French artist [Jean Lurçat] in 1968, at Ottawa City Hall
remembers the weaver. When I entered, I was struck by his works. I knew in that moment that this is what I wanted to do.
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Artist Thoma Ewen’s woven works are filled with color.
Photo : - / Marika Bellavance
What makes me most proud is to have survived as an artist. It’s being able to make a living from my art.
Thoma Ewen looks at his works on the gallery walls with a certain nostalgia and a sense of accomplishment. Because even if the years have passed, the works remain.
To get there:
Weaving and time
At the Montcalm gallery
Until March 23
