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The Prairie landscape has been a major source of inspiration for LaFrenière. Characterized by transparent layers of delicate colour and a minimalist style, his paintings reflect the cosmic, immaterial aspects of the prairie terrain, more so than its static, physical configurations. "What I strive to represent," states LaFrenière, "is the space between land and sky, as well as the unique perspective that gives these spaces their reality." That reality is rendered by a long, thin horizon line that juxtaposes an endless stretch of cultivated fields with an overwhelming clear blue sky. LaFrenière excels at capturing this sense of open space, saturated in incandescent light. Being sensitive to the intensity of the landscape that surrounds us, I dwell primarily on the space between the sky and the horizon of the Canadian prairies and on the cosmic aspect as opposed to the earthly static of the physical landscape. Using this as my starting point, I endeavor to translate all of the fluctuations engendered by the "écart" of the immaterial volume of spatial universe and the many rhythmic sequences that alternate on earth not only considering texture but also the degradation of colors and superimposition of subsequent transparent layers. As much as possible I do not attempt to render with fidelity the static elements of the decor because this would reduce the depth and scope of my work. However, I do attempt to capture the cosmic essence of the landscape without constraints and to reflect the luminosity, trademark of the Canadian prairies. Roger LaFrenière LaFrenière has had numerous solo exhibitions in Canada and has had his work included in more than seventy group exhibitions. In 2002, he was selected to participate in the Expresarte Festival de Arte Mexico. His work can be found in private and public collections in Canada, as well as in New York, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. |
