50” x 54” x 1.5”
Acrylic, flashe, ink, pastel on canvas
2021 - 2022
Pedestrians dictate the flow of traffic, each side of the street takes a turn in the shade as the day goes on. Trash piles up along the sewer grates, coffee cups roll around on the road. The squirrels stay away and the rats run the show. Glass windows tower high and reflect the sun that threatens a clear sky ahead for the pigeons. A place to feel small against the limestone facades, a place to disappear in the crowd. Horns blaring, cyclists zip by. She steals moments of peace in the park by the fountain, but only until that man without a shirt approaches her, and she has to leave. Downtown is as much of a City as she can handle, it isn’t a place where she feels safe, but she has come to love it in her own way, on her own terms, because it’s part of her home now.
This painting was originally completed in 2021 and previously entitled Stepping Into Truth which can be viewed here as the last photo.
The I Used To Hate This City collection embodies a celebration of self-empowerment, rage, persistence, triumph, perspective and resilience. It explores the evolution of the artist’s relationship with the City of Hamilton over the course of the past year as it shifted from Love, to Hate, back to Love again. These themes coincide with what the artist has experienced on her personal journey but also touch upon her observations of the City during recent times of gentrification, isolation and political change.
The paintings in this collection began as self-portraits that have since been covered with layers of paint, spray paint, coffee, and gold leaf to form abstracted depictions of Hamilton landmarks that are reminiscent of the new memories the artist has created in familiar places.
The idea that the artist's previous and new-found sense of identity is strongly tied to various landmarks for the worse or the better is a relevant aspect of this collection and a reminder that while our environment may feel static and permanent, our minds and hearts are in a constant state of change and growth.
More info about this product:
This painting was hand-stretched by the artist in her studio on 1.5" gallery frames. It can be hung as an exposed canvas, or framed in a floating wood frame for a more polished look. This painting comes with an artist statement and signature. If you purchase this painting you will be contacted by the artist for more information about pick-up options in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, or delivery/shipping information. *Decorative frame not included*
Please note that the buyer is responsible for any shipping charges and/or for picking up the painting, but the artist will facilitate the process by obtaining quotes, packaging the product safely, and bringing it to a shipping centre at no extra cost. Reach out to the artist directly through the Contact page for any inquiries regarding this piece.
*This is an original painting by Tania LaCaria, there is only one in the world. Frame not included.