Glossy black cats rumble with a love song of purrs as they doze among sun-kissed philodendrons in this statement panel, a unique shape picked from the Art Nouveau period. Any cat lover knows that a little magic lives in these familiars. This original oil painting on an extra deep custom wood panel is gilded with metal leaf. It’s golden sides gleam from every angle and give it a real presence in a room. Exhibit Notes Praise for Magic Hour from curator Liza Zhurkovskaya: “The painting is very engaging and unique which is rare to see these days. The colours and intricate details are simply mesmerizing! I love how it evokes a sense of serenity and wonder every time I look at it. What I appreciate the most is the way this work captures the essence of a moment frozen in time.”

Gillian Lahav

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Hello! I’m a self-taught artist based in in Toronto. My paintings are inspired by magic in the natural world, featuring slumbering animals and lush plants set in golden light. I paint on locally made wood panels, layering oils and metal leaf over exposed wood grain to achieve organic scenes with lots of movement. A hiker and former archaeologist, I look to wild plants, antique treasures, and sleepy house cats for colours and compositions that speak to me. My recent series Golden Hour (2023) and Ephemeral (2024) invite rest and indulgence, referencing feminine figures in Art Nouveau, the rich warmth of Klimt's Golden Phase, and the mysticism of Pre-Raphaelite dream scenes. I hope this imagery will evoke for viewers the rich warmth and energy of golden hour, that fleeting time of day when the sun casts its most magical spell. ✨