INK Entertainment’s Taglialatella Galleries is holding its latest solo exhibition with Montreal born artist, Erin Rothstein.
header image: www.erinrothstein.com
Showcasing hyperrealist paintings of mainstream, urban fashion, Rothstein’s Un-Fancy works are a composition of whimsical and fresh-faced style, combining art with fashion. “We strive to push boundaries and showcase today’s most creative artists,” says Alan Ganev, Director, Taglialatella Galleries Toronto. “Having successfully carved out a new space for hyperrealism within the context of today’s art market, Erin’s works are unlike anything we have had in the gallery before.”
Currently residing in Toronto, Rothstein holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University where she specialized in painting and drawing, and a Master of Art from Western University. We chatted with Erin and discussed her inspirations, aesthetic, and what we can expect from her in the future.
photo courtesy of Ink Entertainment
HOLR: When did you start creating art? Why?
Erin: I started drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil. My mother’s side of the family is extremely artistic, and I was always encouraged to explore my artistic potential, even as a toddler. My mother bought me the best art supplies and taught me tips and tricks for capturing highlights and shadows, even in my coloring books. It wasn’t until my undergraduate experience at Concordia University that I discovered my love of painting, which I continued to explore during my Masters at Western University. I was always determined to create paintings that would inspire others, fuelled by my own personal obsession with the craft of hyperrealism. My aim is to observe, capture, and highlight the detail that we often miss in ordinary objects.
HOLR: Who is your biggest inspiration at the moment?
Erin: I tend to find inspiration wherever I am. I am inspired by anyone who goes after their passions. I am inspired by hard-working parents, my own included. I am inspired by my husband who started his own law-firm so that we could live the self-employed dream. I am inspired by my kids, who see everything with fresh eyes, and who work so hard to understand the world. I am inspired by Baroque painting, Surrealist painting, and Minimalist art and design. I also find a lot of inspiration on Instagram these days, which can be an aesthetic feast if you follow the right accounts.
HOLR: How would you describe your aesthetic as an artist?
Erin: I describe my work as hyperrealism, but my aesthetic definitely includes aspects of Minimalism, Surrealism, and Pop-Art. My pieces are design-oriented, offering a crisp and clean take on classic still-life paintings.
Art By Erin Rothstein
HOLR: Tell us about the Un-fancy Series, how did the concept come about? How did the name come about?
Erin: For the last ten years, I’ve been focusing on hyperreal paintings of food. A client commissioned a custom painting of a Nike Air Jordan shoe, which made it onto the radar of Taglialatella Gallery. They asked me to do a show with them that was based around the shoe, and together, we conceptualized the “Un-fancy” series – a body of hyperreal paintings that would capture the essence of basic fashion staples, and what they mean to us. These paintings drum up feelings of nostalgia, excitement, comfort, and happiness. They underline the beautiful and lasting nature of the “un-fancy” life.
Art by Erin Rothstein
HOLR: What can we expect from you in the future?
Erin: I am absolutely thrilled to report that we sold-out our first show on opening night. I am already hard at work on some brand new pieces from the “Un-fancy” series, which will be available through Taglialatella Gallery. Anyone interested can follow me on Instagram (@erinrothstein), where I frequently post progress photos and teasers for upcoming projects. Stay tuned!
To keep up with Erin’s art exhibits and creations follow her @erinrothstein, or learn more about her at www.erinrothstein.com
To view more upcoming exhibits at the gallery, visit www.taglialatellagalleries.com