Visual Arts Archives - Toronto Guardian

“A Day in the Life” with: Visual Artist Shawn Evans

Emilea Semancik — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:33:32 +0000

In a way, Evans has progressively abandoned landscape painting. Although the work has maintained an objective sensibility, his constant recalibrations of colour and composition have allowed the formal qualities of painting to become his primary subject. Shawn has been developing the Quantum Sky series over the past several years based on a single photograph taken during a residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts. This singular concern with the Albertan landscape marks a degree of rigorous discipline and adherence to self-imposed formal constraints. Now, often building his compositions without reference to the original photograph, his practice has shifted from an act of perception to memory. Evans easily recalls a rich tradition of landscape painting, but through sustained engagement, one realizes he has developed alongside a more contemplative and conceptual axis. The work is grounded in questions of representation, limits of perception, and the status of images in the contemporary world. Shawn’s upcoming solo exhibition opening at Nikola Rukaj Gallery this November presents a selection of these recent works.

Mornings start with a coffee outside while I water my “small” collection of bonsai trees. Some seen here just outside my studio.

Works in progress. I start with the paintings stretched on the wall to give a hard surface to work against.

North Painting, oil, oil stick, and acrylic on canvas. 48”x60.”

Recent painting yet to be titled. 24”x18.”

A maple tree I started from seed on the workbench in the studio. Mimics the tree in the foreground of a lot of recent paintings.

Four paintings in progress. Each 16”x20.” Part of the Quantum Sky series.

Studio assistant hard at work.

Recent photo from the opening of the Art Dealers Association of Canada’s 60th Anniversary exhibition.

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Which ’hood are you in?

I live in Weston with my wife and three small kids. It’s one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets— mature trees, century homes, and a small-town community feel, but with the UP Express to get downtown in 15 minutes. Best of both worlds.

What do you do?

I am a painter whose current obsession is trees (inside the studio and out). My work explores Canada’s landscape painting tradition and asks what that legacy can look like today.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working toward a solo exhibition with Rukaj Gallery here in Toronto, which will open in November.

Where can we find your work?

My work can be found at Rukaj Gallery, either in person or through their website. I am also on Instagram, which is best for updates and a look behind the scenes.

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“A Day in the Life” with: Visual Artist Justine Eva Smith

Emilea Semancik — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:33:19 +0000

Growing up before the internet meant entertainment was something we created ourselves. On a single income, our family found joy in simple, affordable adventures, weekly trips to the library for VHS tapes and chapter books, long days playing outside with friends, and endless afternoons making our own fun at home. With a creative mom, crayons and paper became paper dolls of our favourite books, movies, and TV characters, and those moments helped spark Justine Eva Smith’s lifelong love of art.

That creativity was nurtured by the people around us. Our French Canadian grandpa, who we’d visit every summer, would spend hours drawing with us, often sketching the view of Mont Saint-Hilaire from his backyard. Our aunt, a career clown and fitness instructor, always made an appearance during our visits. She brought the same creative spirit, happily painting homemade watercolour books with us for hours.
Looking back, it was the combination of family, imagination, nostalgia, and the absence of expensive toys and endless screen time that shaped Justine’s artistic journey.

That childhood love of drawing eventually led Justine to study art at Sheridan College and OCAD University. Today, Justine exhibits artwork that celebrates the creativity first nurtured around the family kitchen table.

Justine Eva Smith painting live in studio at the Blanc in New York City. Photo by Rina Hyseni.

Justine Eva Smith recently participated in the Work in Progress Festival in New York City – pictured here posing outside the venue on 40th Street.

A progress shot of a painting by Justine Eva Smith, displayed on an easel in the studio.

Justine Eva Smith’s booth at the Artist Project in Toronto at the Enercare Centre with her son and expert booth assistant.

‘Self Portrait as Still Life’, painted in oil on paper on an acrylic base by Justine Eva Smith.

Experimental performance featuring live musicians, video projection and a light-reactive interactive sound machine built and played by Justine Eva Smith.

An installation and projection created by Justine Eva Smith for Convergence Theory, a collaborative experimental electronic music series presented by Fawn. Photo by Kyle Crockard.

Justine Eva Smith beside their painting exhibited in the ‘The Spaces Between’ show, during Art Fair Hamilton at the Cotton Factory in Hamilton, Ontario.

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Which ’hood are you in?

I work for the downtown BIA that covers Toronto’s Entertainment District and King West Village. This exciting area of the city gets over 19 million visitors annually and is home the City’s major stadiums as well as iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, Roy Thomson Hall, the Princess of Wales Theatre and more.

What do you do?

I’m a multidisciplinary artist specializing in painting, but I like to dabble in a wide variety of mediums. I’m also a musician. I experiment a lot and enjoy the process of making and the discovery that happens when you lead with curiosity. During the week, I work downtown Toronto as an Operations Manager.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m working on mostly figurative and portrait paintings that incorporate textiles and embroidery, as well as recording a second album with my band rolemodels. I just got back from New York City, where I got to participate in an experimental art fair called the Work in Progress Festival at the Blanc. Earlier this year, I exhibited for the first time at the Artist Project in Toronto, which was also a great experience. Coming up, I have a solo show in a cafe in Hamilton called SYNONYM in August – so I’ve been creating a lot of work for that specifically.

Where can we find your work?

Instagram | TikTok | Website | Spotify | Linktree

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“A Day in the Life” with: Visual Artist Angelo Di Francesco

Emilea Semancik — Wed, 06 May 2026 07:33:36 +0000

The resurgence of traditional painting, infused with contemporary energy, is powerfully embodied by Toronto-based artist Angelo Di Francesco. He stands with other Canadian artists at the forefront of painting oil-on-canvas and watercolour works that bridge classic Impressionist tenets with the bold spirit of modern Canadian landscapes.

After years of pursuing art alongside other endeavours, Di Francesco has dedicated himself to creation full-time. This pivotal transition allows him to fully immerse in a style defined by an intense focus on light, colour, and energy, achieved through vibrant pigments and expressive brushwork that captures fleeting moments.

Di Francesco draws deep inspiration from his surroundings, using the varied light and texture of the Canadian environment as a constant muse. His artistic vision is influenced by past Canadian masters and Impressionistic techniques as well as Eastern art traditions. Rather than precise realism, his aim is to convey the emotional essence of a subject, transforming everyday observations into layered visual stories.
As he notes, “Art has always been a big part of my life… I am most passionate about oil on canvas. I love vibrant colour, and brush strokes that create energy.” His intuitive approach and use of saturated, juxtaposed hues build depth and warmth, ensuring his work resonates with a growing audience and cementing his place as a compelling voice in contemporary Canadian art.

A Tangle of Roots, Watercolour on Pressed paper, 12 x 16 (30.5 cm x 40.5 cm). On a hike in the Glen Williams area, I came across this group of trees on a hill with their roots exposed, all twisted and tangled. I was inspired to paint them. I instantly saw that life is like this. We may just see a triumphant moment, accomplishment or that person basking in the light and always fail to see the Tangle of Roots that are left unseen. We are complex. Our lives twist and turn and intertwine with all those we love, the sacrifices we make, the people we meet and all those who have helped us along the way. Instead of painting the trees in the bright sun with their leaves glistening, I chose the tangle of roots that hold them up

Signs, Signs, Toronto Chinatown, Dundas St., Oil and Acrylic on Canvas, 11 x 14 ( 28 cm x 35 cm). I frequently walk the streets of Toronto and always marvel at the incredible diversity and beauty of each neighbourhood. I grew up in Little Italy, which is right next to Chinatown. The two blend into each other. I love the vibrant colours, the hustle and bustle, the smell of the food and the incredible sense of community. I never really know what the signs say, but I love them and have always wanted to paint its vibrant feel in a unique and modern way. I want you to see it through my eyes. It’s joyful! It is community! It’s filled with energy that buzzes. I love this place and its signs.

I love to paint around southern Ontario. I’ll pack up my easel and paints on a sunny day and make the most of what I find. I often meet very interesting people on my travels. Places like Mount Nemo, Rattlesnake Point, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Credit Meadows Park or an intersection that catches my attention.

I’ve coached Football for over 30 years and just love spending time with incredible athletes who are driven to succeed. I’ve made countless friends, built meaningful relationships and helped to build championship teams. The championships are great, but the relationships made and the memories gathered are priceless

A View from a Park Bench, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Oil on Canvas board, 11″ x 14″ (28 cm x 36 cm). On a walk through the neighbourhood I grew up in, I decided to sit on a park bench in Trinity Bellwoods Park. I just loved seeing people going for walks, lovers on park benches in conversation, children playing catch and much more. When I looked towards Dundas Street, I saw this colourful scene and just had to paint it.

I often walk through Toronto’s neighbourhoods. I love the sights and sounds, the hustle and bustle, and the energy I find. Often, I’ll enter a shop or restaurant and strike up a conversation. When you greet someone with a smile, you often get one back. That’s been my experience.

ROPSSAA Special Events Track & Field. Every May, I coordinate a major track meet for secondary students with diverse special needs — about 900 participants from 48 schools. It’s one of the largest events of its kind in North America, and it always fills me with joy.

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Which ’hood are you in?

I was born and raised in Little Italy with its unique sights, sounds, foods, and Chin Radio as a backdrop. It was a unique and magical place that bordered on Little Portugal, Chinatown, Koreatown and Kensington Market and a place where everyone seemed to be connected or related. Today, I’m often drawn back to this area to see the changes and to experience the wonderful fusion of foods and the tapestry of cultures that seem to have been woven together. It’s as if one neighbourhood has spilled into the next in a wonderful organic way. When I walk through, I often take photos like a tourist, sketch a scene or chat with someone I’ve just met. I love these walks.

What do you do?

I’m so busy these days. Where do I begin? Are you familiar with Plein Air? Plein Air is a French term that was made famous by the French Impressionist artists. It is a tradition of taking portable easels outdoors to paint in urban and rural settings. French artists would paint together in this way, supporting each other while learning and sharing ideas, techniques and approaches. They painted what they saw and felt in a way that was fresh, new, inspired and dynamic. A group of us casually started to meet and paint in this way.

I am a founding member of the Mississauga Plein Air group (SPag) called @saugapleinairgroup, which boasts over 400 members right now. This Plein Air group meets regularly, shares techniques, celebrates the city of Mississauga and southern Ontario and has become a driving force in the city’s art culture. Artists paint at events, heritage sites, in business centres and have had many group exhibitions. It hosts the annual Mississauga Plein Air competition, which has attracted participants from across Southern Ontario to compete in the spirit of Plein Air with prizes and a group exhibition as a culminating activity.

What are you currently working on?

I’ve always got a series of paintings on the go. I’ve just completed a Toronto Chinatown series of paintings, and now I’m in the midst of doing a series called the Personality of Trees. As part of @saugapleinairgroup, we have a group exhibition, some workshops and indoor painting sessions on the go. Who knows what 2026 will bring.

Where can we find your work?

I’ve got a number of paintings presently at 33 East Street Gallery in Goderich, Ontario, a painting at Visual Arts Mississauga, and another at the McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg. My paintings can also be viewed and purchased through @helloart.inc, @localart.store, my Instagram, and website.

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“A Day in the Life” with: Visual Artist Henry Banger Benvenuti

Shantelle Canzanese — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:33:58 +0000

Henry Banger Benvenuti, an American collagist, painter, curator and philanthropist born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1952. He curated exhibitions in the East Village art scene in the 1980’s, including the controversial Nonson Gallery Punk No-Wave Exhibition. Banger developed his unique photo collage technique from glamour magazines found in the trash and on the streets of NYC. He is a US Army veteran who returned with an honourable discharge from Germany. He lived off the GI bill with limited resources. After a traumatic car accident, he settled in Paris, working and living in the Parisian abandoned building squats. There, he met art patron and fashion designer Agnes b., who became a collector of his work and presented five solo exhibitions in her galleries in Paris, Tokyo, Marseille, and the Grand Palais Annual Decouvertes 93 Exhibition. Group exhibitions included the Picasso Museum, Antibes and the National Gallery of Canada. Banger then moved to Toronto, Canada, working as a scenic painter for innovative directors like David Cronenberg and Guillermo Del Toro. Banger’s work was then collected by directors and artists, including David Cronenberg, Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Naomi Watts, etc. recently Banger received a solo exhibition at Ph21 Gallery in Barcelona and a solo exhibition at the Agnes b. Gallery in Marseilles.

-Written by Nancy Oliveri, Fine Art Photographer & Psychotherapist

Banger in front of His collage, Media Madness, at his first NYC solo exhibition in 1978 at the Nonson Gallery. Photo by Wallace Littman.

Banger at work in an abandoned building squat at Rue Boinod, Paris, 1989

Banger’s pieces, executed in Paris, from the Collection of the Agnes B. Foundation, Paris, 2024

Photo of Banger resting at sunset, courtesy of Nancy Oliveri, Estero Island, Florida, 2025

Banger at work in an abandoned building squat at Rue Juliette Dodu and Rue Sambre-et-Meuse of Paris, 1990

Banger’s Toronto atelier, 2025.

Banger in the Art Students League in NYC, 1978. Photo by Robert Carrithers

Banger with B.B. King while working on the feature film, Blues Brothers 2000, Toronto, 1997.

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Which ‘hood are you in?

I live in the Bellwoods Park neighbourhood of Toronto, in the Artscape building, at the corner of Queen and Crawford Streets.

What do you do?

I work in my private studio in the Toronto movie industry as a scenic painter and have been working there for over 25 years.

What are you currently working on?

I just finished an exhibition of my portraits with the PH21 Gallery situated in the heart of Barcelona, Spain’s historic Gothic Quarter. I am also now exhibiting my works from the collection of Agnes b. in her gallery in Marseille, France.

I am currently spending the winter on Estero Island, working in my studio in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. I have been working on sculpting photographs printed on Hahnemühle archival photo rag.

Where can we find your work?

Facebook | Website

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“A Day in the Life” with: Visual Artist Eliza Kozurno

Demian Vernieri — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:33:29 +0000

Eliza Kozurno is a Polish-Canadian painter based in Toronto. She studied fine art in Poland before immigrating to Canada roughly twenty years ago, where she built a career first in fashion and then as a jewelry designer, known for bold, original pieces with a devoted following.

Throughout those years, she painted for herself. In 2020, she decided to make it her focus and began working toward a body of work she could present together. Her debut at the Artist Project in 2023 brought gallery invitations, a solo show, and group exhibitions, leading to representation by Roberts Gallery in Toronto.

Over the 6 years since she re-focused on her art, her style has evolved and gotten stronger while staying true to her core ideas. On April 18th, Intimate Space, her third collection, opens in a solo exhibition at Roberts Gallery.

Signing a work

Painting on a summer afternoon

Visiting the gallery booth at Art Toronto

Coffee with fresh baked apple pie

Composing a still life

Relaxing with a just-completed work

Trying to blend in with a painting

Visiting with a friend

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Which ’hood are you in?

Dundas & Ossington

What do you do?

Still Life in a contemporary style, acrylic on canvas

What are you currently working on?

Finishing preparations for the upcoming show at Roberts Gallery

Where can we find your work?

Roberts Gallery, or visit my website

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