The works in Blaze explore tensions that exist between the digital and analogue world. Images of flames were chosen as fire is both a creative and destructive force but one that always acts quickly. In the series, Fluid Anomalies, graphic white forms challenge the illusionism of the photos. These overlays serve to decelerate the digitally manipulated images through the slow process of hand embroidery. In contrast, Slow Pixels – Flame is rendered completely with embroidery as realistically as possible to heighten the contrast between the imagery and the process of its making. All the works in the show combine old and new processes to consider our perception of time.

Lyla Rye is a Toronto based artist, who began her studies in architecture. Rye works in installation, sculpture, video and photography to explore our experience of architectural space. Using angled forms, images, and the space itself, she creates encounters that require active viewing. Whether sculptural or video-based, her installations engage physically, optically, and conceptually, hailing us to our perception of time and space.

Rye received a BFA from York University and an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. For over 30 years her work has been exhibited in galleries across Canada and internationally including San Francisco, New York, Adelaide (Australia), Paris, and Berlin. She has exhibited at The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Power Plant, Southern Alberta Art Gallery, The Mendel Art Gallery, The Textile Museum of Canada and Koffler Gallery among others. Her work is included in collections such as The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, York University, Cadillac Fairview Corporation, Tom Thomson Art Gallery and The Robert McLaughlin Gallery. She has founded and exhibited with a number of collectives including NetherMind, 5 things hic and Persona Volare. Recent exhibitions include Abide at TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary and The Karachi Biennale in Pakistan. Rye's solo exhibition Mirage will open at PREFIX this fall.