Duncan McGillivray-Smith’s debut exhibition, “Ataraxia,” at Ackerman Clarke in Chicago showcases seven oil paintings that explore the concept of tranquility and inner peace. The artworks project a sense of calm but also evoke a feeling of unease as they blur the lines between the normal and the anomalous. Figures and shadows, flatness and space, all play equal roles in these enigmatic images.
Among the paintings on display, two are small in size, while the others range from medium to large scale. The interplay between featureless figures and their shadows creates mysterious narratives in scenes depicting everyday activities like skiing or tree-cutting.
In “Late Day in a Small World,” McGillivray-Smith presents a stage-like outdoor setting with a tree dividing the picture vertically. Three figures, seemingly dressed in pajamas, engage in conversation while a black and white cow stands in the background. Shadows cast by the figures and trees add to the enigmatic atmosphere of the painting.
In “Four of Us,” the artist depicts two figures using a crosscut saw to cut down a tree, with a third figure in the background. The play of shadows and the presence of a fourth shadow rising from the bottom edge of the canvas create a sense of foreboding and mystery.
McGillivray-Smith’s use of shadows is particularly innovative in “Thaw on the Mountain, Ice in the Valley,” where skiers cast multiple shadows across a snowy slope and onto distant mountains. The division of shadows adds to the complexity of the painting and the world it represents.
Overall, McGillivray-Smith’s debut exhibition is a testament to his artistic talent and ability to create compelling narratives through his paintings. Each scene feels meticulously crafted, with elements working together to convey open-ended stories. “Ataraxia” is a thought-provoking exhibition that invites viewers to explore the artist’s unique world.
The exhibition will be on display at Ackerman Clarke in Chicago until November 22. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Duncan McGillivray-Smith’s captivating artworks in person.
