Artswatch
Laura Moses
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Christopher Pratt's Self-Portrait: Who Is This Sir Munnings? (1998)
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KEEPING CHAOS AT BAY Since the age of 16 not a day has passed that Christopher Pratt has not painted or thought about painting.
This is how the 69-year-old Newfoundlander was introduced last week to a crammed reception of excited guests, anticipating their first view of some of the best examples of his life's work, now on display at the National Gallery.
"I've painted day after day for more than 50 years and I swear to god it feels as though I've only served an apprenticeship," said Pratt, his hands folded in front of him.
"I went to the doctor to prepare for this and I said, 'Can I take anything for emotion? ... The doctor said, 'Yeah, take an Aspirin and believe in it...'"
Much of Pratt's work on display is from the last 20 years, but the exhibit also reaches back to the 1960s when he became nationally recognized for his depiction of Newfoundland architecture, landscapes framed by windows, and female nudes.
During my tour around the gallery I saw more than 60 painted lifescapes: the white panels of the side of a house (March Night, 1976); highways that stretched on and on (Driving to Venus: A Long and Winding Road, 2001), and a view through a window (Shop on an Island, 1969), all stripped of imperfections.
Each masterpiece is "an example of how what is universal can be found in local things," said Pratt.
Perfection is eerie. Precise geometry, immaculate light/dark spaces and solid colour mark Pratt's work. No wear and tear here.
His
subjects only mimic the real, flirting with that which is realistic, but they are too flawless and so they become something entirely different-minimalist representations that border on surrealism, similar in style to René Magritte.Half Moon and Bright Stars: My Bedroom in September 2001 is a nightscape in blue tones. It is the view from Pratt's three-panelled window of the bank of the Salmonier River near St. John's, a chilly mist rolling over it.
Standing in front of this painting left me feeling sick for the summer nights I'm already missing. I had the feeling that Pratt left that window panel open to hear the whisper of the impending winter.
As for the images relating to Newfoundland, Pratt said to "forget that." He has always wanted to make sure that whatever power he's had as a painter goes beyond regionalism.
During a one-on-one interview with the artist after the crowds had filtered out I asked him if his style of painting hinted at a particular characteristic in his nature. My immediate guess was perfectionist? His answer did not surprise me.
"I've always been exasperated with the lack of discipline in social behaviour, disrespect for the environment and disregard for order in general.
"I have a fear of things totally out of control and that comes through in my paintings. It's also why I think I gravitated towards painting as a career ... my father used to say I wasn't born to have a boss. In hindsight, I never dreamed the impossible dream, I only ever daydreamed to the edge of what could happen for me, and now I think I've gone over the edge."
Christopher Pratt's paintings are at the National Gallery of Canada until January 8.
Also at the National Gallery: Thursday, October 6 at 6 p.m., Montreal painter Francine Savard will talk about her work. In French, lecture hall, free admission.
This man's story is really inspiring, I now want to learn more about him and his art, and for that thanks Melissa for the great website in your comment. I'll go check it out will hopefully be able to view a few more of his work on that website as well. The self portrait illustrated in Xpress is just amazing.
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Brian Fung
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{9 votes}
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| An exhibit worth the National Gallery entrance fee |
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Since they changed the policy on making the general exhibits free, I have not been attending the Gallery as frequently. The Pratt exhibit is lovelly and well worth the money.
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Karen Mohindra
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{8 votes}
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Sounds easy but these words from Pratt's doctor are probably the most important. No matter how gifted we are, if we don't believe in it, we're not going anywhere with our talent. Believing in it is not all that's needed to be successful but we'll refrain ourselves from contacting people, from promoting ourselves, from showing what we're good at if we don't believe that something can be done. It doesn't mean to be pretentious and believe we're the greatest thing this planet even had but it involves being able to move forward no matter how insecure we're feeling.
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Marc Charette
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{5 votes}
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69 years old and still passionate about his art, that's nice. I wish to be as passionate for something as beautiful when I'm 69 myself. This man has a great vision on life and great respect for life as well, if only more people had that same respect, we'd be all happier.
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Roxane Gibault
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{9 votes}
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I've visited the website and his volumes of work are interesting. It is nice to see an artist who is not afraid to let their other self out in their works. May Christopher be as prolific in his future endeavors as he has been in his past.
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Bryan Murray
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{3 votes}
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This is the first time I have been inspired to actually look more into the art in the article. I looked him up in the internet and found his website. Worth checking out. http://collections.ic.gc.ca/pratt/art/gallery3.htm
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gone gone
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{4 votes}
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