The Drake Hotel
Spectra Logic (Exhume)
Pauk and Vickers’ latest large-scale installation incorporates monumental sculptural features in a transformation of the quaint rural setting. Adopting illusions of colour, light and shadow, coils of fluorescent and reflective tubing envelop and digest a section of the quiet street in a variegated fusion that pushes painting, sculpture and installation beyond traditional divisions. This imaginative, theatrical vista embeds itself within the landscape and perhaps implies a dimmer narrative in its playful, grand, abstract gestures. What has happened here? Is this good or bad? Is everyone alright? The vibrant palette and unsettling gestures of the pairs latest collaboration highlights the instability of experience, and the possibilities that pull us beyond conditioned rules.
Oliver Pauk and Michael Vickers are visual artists who collaborate on management of the Akin Collective studios and also on multiple other fine art projects.
Both based in Toronto, Canada, Oliver received his Honours BA in Economics from the University of Toronto in 2005, while Michael completed his MA in Contemporary and Modern Art History at the University of Toronto in 2013 and an Honors BA from the University of Ottawa in 2009. Oliver’s work mainly involves photographic, installation, and video-based elements and has been exhibited in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Michael’s addresses the seductive and poetic qualities of form. Recent exhibitions include Push and Pull at Mercer Union (2014) and That Same Small War Within You at Truck Contemporary (2013).
Together, Pauk and Vickers’ projects employ sculptural, installation, and projection-based elements involving industrial materials, geometric patterns and manipulations of light and colour.
The Drake Hotel is a cultural, entertainment and hospitality landmark in Toronto. Ever since we opened our doors on Valentine’s Day 2004, Drake has come to be known as an energetic hub for visual + performance art as well as dining and hospitality. We’re known for providing one of Canada’s most unique and sought after hotel and culinary experiences. As you can tell, we’re clearly more than a place to eat and sleep: we are a Hotbed for Culture.
Staying true to all things Drake, we’re excited about extending our cultural mandate to our new outpost, Drake Devonshire Inn, now open in Wellington, Ontario. The art, food and wine happenings that currently exist in Prince Edward County, as well as our beautiful historic Inn literally hovering over Lake Ontario made the choice to join another incredible community an easy one. With significant refurbishment and expansion alongside seasonal menus, cultural programs, inspiring excursions and a thoughtfully curated permanent art collection, Drake Devonshire will truly be a Drake outpost, Inn the County!
