Minor Leagues identifies with the naïve and folk art traditions with a predilection for hard-edge techniques. The work employs a palette of fantastical, exaggerated colours to compose scenes that draw on the mythic realm of sports. Chantel deploys unusual and humorous contexts to make work that is lighthearted and sincere. Meshing ancient Greek architecture with a 16-bit sensibility, the viewer is immersed in captivating narratives of imagined sporting worlds. Should sport be perceived as “low-brow” subject matter, the goal is to argue the topic be worthy of artistic contemplation. There is hope to expand the discourse of athletics in contemporary art. The work is ever curious of athletes exulted to status of hero or god and the positive or negative implications of their influence. There are many parallels between political and social issues and the world of sports entertainment. Expressions of sports fanaticism can be viewed as a parody of tribalism. Hyperbolic antagonism in sports rivalries parallel sectarian bickering, power struggles and in-group/out-group bias. Optimistically, our shared interest in sport may generate connections as a remedy to increasing division and isolation. Sports can create a bond between people who may not connect in any other way.

Chantel Ness (c. 1985) was born in a penalty box in Northern Saskatchewan and has been collecting PIM ever since. Chantel is a Artist whose ideas are not bound to one specific medium - exploring sculpture, craft and the culinary arts. She spends much of her time painting and writing. Currently resides in Vancouver, Canada.

Exhibition

ANTE Mag | “Earthly Delights”: July 2021 | Open Call Winner

The Holy Art Gallery, London UK | “Infinity” : May 2021 | Exhibitor & Shortlist Finalist

The Virtual Art, Germany | May 2021 | Exhibitor

MĪL Gallery, Germany | “Love” Open Call: March 2021 | Exhibitor

Espace POP, Montreal QC | “Hypnagogia: Three Emerging Artists” : February 2014 | Exhibitor

Grants & Awards

Ontario Arts Council | Visual Artists Creation Projects Grant: 2020