Painter Chantal Khoury in her studio. She is the winner of the prestigious Joseph Plaskett Award in Painting. Photo: Ryan Park.

Chantal Khoury wins the prestigious Joseph Plaskett Award in Painting for her visually striking and beautiful depiction of light.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

CANADA- Artist Chantal Khoury is the proud recipient of the 2023 Joseph Plaskett postgraduate award in painting, a highly esteemed accolade with a substantial prize of $65,000. Her exceptional ability to capture the play of light within her paintings distinguishes her as the deserving winner of this coveted award.

A diverse panel of judges representing different regions across Canada chose Khoury. They convened virtually in June 2023 to assess 32 submissions. The esteemed jury comprised Jordan Bennett, a Mi’kmaw visual artist based in Halifax and Nova Scotia. There was also Meera Sethi, a contemporary Canadian visual artist with roots in Toronto, Ontario; and M.E. Sparks, an artist and educator residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Panel of Judges

The panel of judges found themselves captivated by Khoury’s mesmerizing portrayal of light in her artistic creations. They marveled at the fluidity and kaleidoscope of techniques she adeptly employs in her paintings. Her remarkable ability to balance meticulous composition with intricate nuances of representation left the jury spellbound. Above all,  the visually striking and beautifully faint vestiges of obliterated figures emerging from her paintings, hinting at hidden narratives, sealed their decision.

In her work, Khoury draws inspiration from a diverse array of erudite scholars and artists originating from the Global South. She skillfully employs conventional painting techniques to convey the narrative of the Diaspora through a contemporary and avant-garde lens. Khoury adroitly harnesses the chameleon-like nature of paint, viewed through the prism of abstraction, to navigate the turbulent waters of artistic expression.

This prestigious award empowers Khoury to embark on a year-long trip abroad. She will divide her time equally between the vibrant cities of London, Paris, and her ancestral homeland, Lebanon. During this period of unfettered artistic freedom, her plans will extend beyond the study of masterpieces and the exploration of cultural relics. Khoury hopes to reconnect with her family’s heritage by going on pilgrimages to culturally and historically significant sites in Lebanon. Moreover, she aspires to immerse herself in communal and scholarly endeavors that align with her artistic calling. “I’m also eager to engage with other Arab diasporas who hold community-oriented workshops..,” she said. In London, Khoury anticipates a rendezvous with her former MFA external committee member, artist, and wordsmith, Mandy Merzaban, to perpetuate their discourse from a decolonial perspective.

About Artist Chantal Khoury

Hailing from New Brunswick, Khoury’s roots trace back to Lebanese settlers. She recently completed her Master of Fine Arts journey at the esteemed University of Guelph. Within her artistic creations, Khoury delves deep into the intricate complexities of cultural erosion and presence within the postcolonial milieu, all while scrutinizing the profound significance of strokes in abstract art.

Khoury’s artworks have graced galleries across the globe. Some of her works are currently on display across Canada and in Los Angeles, where she is headlining a solo exhibition at Nicodim Gallery that runs through October 28th. Additionally, her works will feature prominently at Art Toronto from October 26th to 29th. There, she will be hosted at the Joe Plaskett Foundation and the TAP Art Space Booth.

About Joe Plaskett Foundation

The Joe Plaskett Foundation, conceived by the celebrated Canadian artist Joseph Plaskett, was established in 2004. It has the profound vision of allowing budding Canadian painters to immerse themselves in the European cultural milieu. This prestigious award goes to emerging Canadian talents in the domain of painting who have successfully secured admission into a postgraduate program. As the Joseph Plaskett Award transitions to a biennial schedule, prospective applicants can look forward to the next call for submissions, set to unfurl in February 2025.

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