Chaki: Three decades

November 10 - December 3, 2011

Yehouda Chaki was introduced to me by the late Simon Dresdnere in 1989. I was excited at the chance of representing this Canadian artist, yet anxious to know if he shared my enthusiasm for working together. 'What do I need another dealer for?' could have been this accomplished painter's response. Now, nearly twenty-five years later, it would be difficult for us to imagine our life as dealer or artist without the other.

Chaki has continually brought us brilliant visions of landscapes. Their bold, vivid colours remind us of the French Fauvists and the German Expressionists. But his dreamscapes are novel, passionate visualizations truly unique to this artist. They reveal a marvelous imagery that instantly speaks to our senses, invokes a longing, and elicits dreamy memories. Chaki's floral still-lifes are no less powerful. Their pulsating colours and forms burst forth and fill their surroundings with an undeniable energy and presence.

In this exhibition, we have brought together an unprecedented collection of paintings by Chaki spanning three decades up to the present day. It will allow you the pleasure of traveling through many of the artist's periods, each with its distinctive style, but all decisively Chaki.

I hope you will join me for this special occasion in celebrating a long and enduring bond with this inspiring artist and close friend. – Odon Wagner