"Contours"
Susan Unger, "Contours," 2002, acrylic on panel, 16" x 24".
SUSAN UNGER
By Jennifer MacLeod
The Saskatchewan praire is the context for Susan Unger's acrylic paintings, particularly the landscapes and farms around Lampman where the artist grew up. In every painting, the figures are the animals who inhabit that landscape, the sheep, cows, pigs and chickens Unger refers to as the "silent community" that is so much a part of the culture of rural Saskatchewan. Unger's animals are portrayed with obvious affection. "I am inspired by the inherent characteristics of these animals - their shapes, colours, textures and movements," says Unger. She does not try to depict photo-realistic detail, but prefers to convey an impression of the animals, their relationships with each other, the ways in which they fit together to form units, and how their forms become one with the land. A solo show of new works by Susan Unger runs April 4 to 26, 2003 at the McIntyre Gallery in Regina.
