Bright paintings, some inspired by Niagara-on-the-Lake scenery, filled Vineridge Academy’s new art studio Saturday as visiting artist Hao Wang showcased months of work from his residency.
The Sept. 20 exhibition featured paintings and sculptures Wang created during his stay at the private school in Virgil.
The program, launched last year, invites international artists to live on campus and create works inspired by Niagara-on-the-Lake, giving residents a chance to see local scenery reimagined through new perspectives.
Vineridge Academy principal Michael Miao said he started the program to connect Niagara with the broader art world and hopes to expand it.
“We’d like to expand maybe with a new art studio, because this is such a beautiful town, such a good place for an artist and we’d like to invite more,” said Miao.
Wang, who is from China and does not speak English, shared through a student translator from Hong Kong, Cyrus Au-Yeung, that the town’s atmosphere has deeply influenced his art.
“He says likes the locals and the feeling of the town,” said Au-Yeung. “The colours of the skies and just the overall feeling here inspire him to draw more colourful drawings.”
The exhibition included large canvases of landscapes and abstract scenes as well as sculptures made from trees. Wang used a chainsaw to cut the wood before burning it, leaving blackened, charred surfaces with rigid textures.
Cyrus explained that two of the paintings on display were directly based on Niagara-on-the-Lake scenery.
“He really likes the landscape and is inspired by it and he wants to keep continuing,” said Au-Yeung.
Miao said Wang is a longtime friend and the school was able to support his stay with food, materials and lodging. In exchange, the school retains some of the work for its collection.
The program is funded by Vineridge, which houses visiting artists in the dormitory and encourages students to interact with them. Miao said it brings an international perspective to the community while also giving artists a peaceful place to work.
He added he is now trying to invite more artists from countries including Mexico and Italy.
Residents can expect future exhibitions at the school, with dates to be announced as new artists arrive.
