BKonthescene

by Sally Warburton

LEOPOLD PLOTEK: THROW AWAY THE LIGHTS, THE DEFINITIONS

Leopold Plotek, an artist born in Moscow, USSR, emigrated to Canada from Warsaw, Poland in 1960. He studied at McGill University, Sir George Williams University, Montreal and Slade School of Fine Art, London.  

Since 1976 Plotek has had over 30 solo exhibits in Toronto and Montreal. Plotek’s work has been shown at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montreal and the Musée d’art contemporarain de Montréal.  In addition to these art galleries, Plotek’s paintings can be seen in major Canadian public collections in the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa; the Musée d’art contemporarain de Montréal; the musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, Quebec City and the Canada Council for the Arts, Ottawa. 

February 2 was an opportunity to hear Leopold speak about his paintings. He chose seven of his paintings from the exhibit to discuss. The talk took the group from the main exhibit room to the back exhibit room allowing for discussion and questions after each painting. It was fascinating to learn about the creation of the paintings. There was more time for discussion over a glass of wine and snacks after the talk in the gallery. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the artwork of such a respected artist, to especially meet the artist and to be in such a beautiful art gallery in the Distillery District, Toronto. Gallery owner Jane Corkin along with Gallery Director Sara Knelman were there to welcome the group and answer any questions. The Corkin Gallery is a unique art gallery designed in a converted tank house in the Distillery District. It’s a ten thousand foot facility which allows several exhibitions to interact with one another. A wonderful gallery.  A brilliant artist’s exhibit. 

We would like to thank The Corkin Gallery first the invitation to this event.