I am interested in exploring our perception of public space as opposed to private space. Specifically, I seek to examine our changing feelings of privacy and our emotional connection to deserted public spaces. Instead of depicting crowded grand interiors, plazas or an individual in a private space, these paintings depart from artistic tradition by highlighting commonplace spaces such as hallways, stairwells, dining lounges, class and meeting rooms as well as the objects found within such spaces. These paintings take an intimate look at these ordinary public spaces. By creating generally dark, quiet, spaces devoid of figures, and by cropping or increasing the proximity to the subject, the viewer’s perception of the depicted space changes. Feelings of privacy, security and sometimes unease are elicited. I think of each painting as a study of how shifting circumstances continually change our emotional responses to public spaces.
Biography
Derek McLarty was raised in London, Ontario where he developed an early interest in all forms of visual art. He studied painting, drawing, printmaking as well as art history at the University of Western Ontario before graduating with a Honours Visual Arts degree. Upon graduation, he quickly discovered that his full time work, while rewarding, left very little time for personal artistic expression. Since 2003, Derek has taken steps to balance employment with artistic practice. As a result, he now exhibits his works in both public and private galleries across southern Ontario. His works reside in both private and corporate collections across Canada.
