Ashley WRAY
Abbotsford News
Inspired by disturbing and haunting artwork, an Abbotsford student has his first collection hanging on the walls of a prestigious Vancouver gallery.
Artist Scott Douglas calls it an honour to have his work displayed in the Buschlen Mowatt Gallery, which specializes in modern and contemporary art.
“I am incredibly lucky to have been picked up by them,” says Douglas, who is graduating from the University of the Fraser Valley next month with a bachelor of fine arts. “They never show new artists, or even local artists for that matter. This is a rare and big thing.”
His exhibit is called Locus Suspectus, which explores the origins of fear and the uncanny.
The title, referring to the Latin words location and suspicion, examines how one’s relationship to space can lead to distrust and anxiety.
In each work, a ghost-like figure is present in a muted scene with minimal lighting.
Douglas isn’t sure why he is drawn to eerie atmospheres – he calls them “irresistible” – but plans to develop and refine the style throughout his career. He calls it his niche.
The Yale Secondary graduate has dabbled in photography for about two years.
He originally started by trying to recreate the abstract paintings of British painter Francis Bacon through photography.
The works of American filmmaker, director, artist and musician, David Lynch were also inspirations, adds Douglas.
“The surreal nature [of his work] gives such an uncomfortable feeling – I just love it.”
The exhibit opened on Thursday, March 3 and will run until Sunday, April 3.
Buschlen Mowatt Gallery is located at 1445 West Georgia St. For more information call 604-682-1234.