PIERMARQ* is pleased to present ‘Apricot Chakra’, an exhibition of new work by Canadian artist, Mike Swaney. This is Swaney’s first solo exhibition at PIERMARQ* in Sydney. ‘Apricot Chakra’ consists of 8 new works of oil and oil pastel on canvas. The exhibition gains its title from Swaney’s interest in phonaesthetics, the study of beauty and pleasantness associated with the sounds of certain words. The artist found the euphonic pairing of words to be enjoyable purely in terms of its sound, without inherent regard for its meaning. This concept resonates within his new body of work, playful and joyous for the sake of being. Swaney is known for a naive approach to image making that draws inspiration from children, namely his own young daughter, who create art from a place of purity, color and form, rather than the analytical. Works such as Finger Family 82nd display a buoyant and nostalgic childhood familiarity, free from pretension and calculation. Michael Swaney is a Canadian-born, Barcelona-based multidisciplinary artist. Swaney's paintings are characterized by simplified graphic compositions, geometric forms, naive figures and a bold use of color and texture. Drawing inspiration from all aspects of life; his childhood, his Spanish surroundings and the expansive depths of his subconscious. Swaney has exhibited throughout Europe and North America, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Paris, Brussels, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Madrid, Stockholm & Zurich. 23 Foster St, Surry Hills NSW OPENING: Thursday 27 July, 6-8PM