Greg Klassen

On Wednesday Nov. 4, Prav Pillay held a reception for his first new exhibit in seven years. His show, titled "Witness" opened in the back room of the artist-run Salt Spring Gallery. First impressions are important, but they can also lead us astray if left unexamined. My first impressions on entering the exhibit for its opening was that this show was stark, uninviting, unfinished. That impression was reinforced by the strong contrast between the aesthetics of Prav's show and the warmth, colour and friendly chaos of styles, media, and expression so typical of the offerings in the rest of the gallery. And then it struck me that there was something very interesting going on here. Something that is hinted at in the title but that we, as viewers must work at to decipher, to actively engage with before it reveals its secrets (unless, of course, you cheated and read the artist statement before engaging with the show). Ostensibly, the show consists of 19 very intimate portraits…