Ascension Painting

b.1971 Sarnia, ON, Canada Lives and works in Smithers, BC, Canada Perry Rath is an active artist and teacher born in SW Ontario, and since 2003 living on unceded Witsuwit'en territory of the Gidimt'en Clan near Smithers with his wife and three children. His diverse artwork of paintings, installations/objects, printmaking, collaborations and more has been exhibited in extensive regional, national and international venues for over 20 years. He explores many different concepts in his projects, seeking visual and conceptual relationships of memory, renewal, presence/absence, history, time, place, identity and communication. Of a metaphoric nature, rich with incident and intimation, his paintings bring light to the range of patterns that humans rely upon to comprehend inner and outer environments. They suggest echoes of recognizable forms that emerge from layers of texture and colour to create an elemental atmosphere, drawing on botanical and geological motifs, maps, and cultural iconography. Underscored within this aesthetic, is an address of social ecology, of historical passage, of organic and theoretical growth systems. His work has attracted the praise of the Governor-General of Canada, and been used in various international CDs, books, magazines, and BC Provincial Parks signage. He has represented his region in the cultural exposition accompanying the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Most recently, his works have been exhibited in Hungary, toured Germany with an 18-month long group show about rivers, and been in various shows across NW BC. Perry Rath is the art teacher at Smithers Secondary School for 14 years ongoing, where he has received recognition and awards for his innovative youth projects, presented at provincial and international art education conferences, and works with students on social justice, diversity and environmental advocacy. He has helped many young people make the step into developing their careers in the art field. Perry Rath has established himself as a prominent artist, educator and advocate in his region.