Preston Pavlis

Preston Pavlis’ work on canvas and fabric represents his interest in the fusion of painting and textiles as a means to explore narrative, form, and colour. Focused on poetic association and metaphor, the resulting works in oil, embroidery, and collage are personal charts for time and memory. The works situate solitary figures on often non-descript grounds, their gazes shifting between the viewer and somewhere beyond their space. Whether their expressions are pensive, ebullient, or intentional– they possess a palpable interiority. Pavlis’ figures convey a subtle energy and a deep sense of presence that is enhanced by their imposing scale.

Preston Pavlis (b. 1999, Loma Linda, United States) currently lives in Halifax, Canada. Pavlis received his BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. His work has been exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto), MOCA Toronto, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (Oshawa), Stridge Gallery (Calgary), Bradley Ertaskiran (Montreal), Half Gallery (New York), Guts Gallery (London), the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and Spurs Gallery (Beijing), with a forthcoming solo presentation at Contemporary Calgary (2025). His work is in the permanent collections of the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto), The Wedge Collection (Toronto), the X Museum (Beijing), and is held in private collections throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Born in Loma Linda, United States, 1999

Lives and work in Halifax, Canada