Silhouettes of Survival

Rosette Sund is a Toronto-based painter whose works explore themes of nostalgia through richly layered compositions. Using oil and acrylic paint on wood board, the canvases unfold like chapters of a story for the viewers to read in, on and through.  As the viewer takes in the story—while not their specific memories—they connect to the feeling of longing whether through a familiar piece of furniture, clothing or hairstyle. The colours, patterns and objects become a visual language to represent the passage of time.

Sund earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from McGill University in 1999, followed by a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting from the Ontario College of Art and Design in 2004. She later completed her Bachelor of Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Her academic foundation in history taught her the value of storytelling, while her fine arts training provided the means to translate those stories into a visual language.

In addition to her studio practice, Sund has taught at the elementary level, including leading an expressive arts program for children with developmental disabilities. Her dedication to both art and education reflects a deep belief in creativity as a means of connection. Rosette continues to live and work in Toronto.