TORONTO, ON - Internationally recognized Croatian Canadian artist, Tatjana Hutinec, launching her solo exhibition As Above, So Below, expecting a full house opening reception November 21.

As Above, So Below highlights the interconnectedness of our thoughts, wellness, and the environment. It also alludes to the digital cloud systems that increasingly tell us how to live, think, and feel, and impact our disconnection from nature. This series of oil paintings, featuring cloud-dominated seascapes, delves into the theme of water in its various forms—above, below, and within us, highlighting the importance of connecting with nature as it leads to a deeper and more profound sense of self as a part of the environment.

Hutinec, inspired by her travels, sailing experiences, and meditation practices, believes that art holds the power to inspire positive change. She sees humanity’s growing disconnection from nature as a factor that distorts our perception of well-being—a view supported by research showing that 75% of doctor visits stem from issues related to high stress and emotional and psychological distress.

“Art is not just a product; it is a start of a process. During the creative process I pay attention to what emerges from exploring the dynamics between self and nature, self and culture, self and ego, as viewed through multiple lenses of psychology, philosophy, and science. This inner dialogue and debate transfers into the artwork and speaks to a viewer.” – Tatjana Hutinec

Situated in a historic building on West Queen West in Toronto, Gallery 1313 showcases the fifth solo exhibition by Tatjana Hutinec, on display from November 20 - December 1, 2024.

Artist talks with guest speakers, scheduled for November 23 & 24 from 2–5 PM, will provide exhibition visitors a platform to engage, share perspectives, and discuss themes of art, water, nature, wellness, and technology.

Tatjana Hutinec has exhibited her artwork at esteemed international exhibitions and galleries and was commissioned for public installations including the Drake Hotel, and Luminato Festival of Arts at Harbourfront. This exhibition marks her fifth solo showcase and continues her exploration of themes related to human nature, environmental concerns, and the role of art in shaping modern consciousness.

Born in Germany and raised in Croatia, Hutinec studied and apprenticed across multiple artistic disciplines, including clay sculpting, painting, textile art, and costume design. After arriving in Toronto in 1990 and finding herself displaced by the Croatian War of Independence, Tatjana soon made her mark in Toronto’s film industry, by creating fantasy and special effects costumes for Hollywood productions such as Total Recall and Alien vs. Predator. Tatjana’s community-based art workshops, supported by the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts, showcase her commitment to art education and public engagement.

For press inquiries, interview requests, or to schedule a private viewing, please contact Tatjana Hutinec at artist@tatjanahutinec.com or by phone at 647-465-3040. High-resolution images of Tatjana’s artwork are available upon request.