Grottesque

Pike’s passion is about how synaesthesia might provoke a mesmerizing state that could help survive beneath the earth.  These bizarre labyrinths, just like a good tango or opera (both Baroque art forms), each have unexpected, yet pleasurable, twists and turns.

In 2025, paintings were in two major exhibitions: Tending the Wild at Galerie Buhler Gallery in Winnipeg and Staycation at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

2024 review of Art Windsor-Essex solo exhibition https://centred.ca/bev-pike-grottesque-spectacles-of-miniature-and-gigantic/

ROCK SHELTER FOR MATHURINES

Ancient feminist court jesters find refuge to collaborate on creating better world order.

Above: gouache on paper, 2.3 m x 4.9 m (7.5 x 16 ft), 2025. Below: detail 1.2 x 1.5 m

photographer: Tracy Peters

CHANTING GROTTO

Mystical evacuees congregate under auspicious crystalline ceilings to join in harmonious polyphony. 

Above: metallic gouache on paper, 2.4 m x 5.5 m (8 x 18 ft), 2023. Below: detail 1.2 x 1.5 m

photographer: Tracy Peters

trysting crypt

A secret rendezvous grotto encourages evacuees to indulge in endless delicious pecks on cheeks.

gouache on paper, 2.4 m x 5.5 m (8 x 18 ft), 2021

photographer: Tracy Peters

Sunken Séance Meeting Hall

Spookologist evacuees discover an ancient hideaway for gathering departed spirits.

gouache on paper, 2.4 m x 5.5 m (8 x 18 ft), 2020
detail

Gazing Pond Chamber

Whispered stories beside the reflecting pool will help evacuees enjoy their High Tea.

gouache on paper, 2.4 m x 5.5 m (8 x 18 ft), 2018
detail

Cavernous Sun Parlour

Therapeutic moisture oozes up the walls and around knit statuary to nourish evacuees during above-ground catastrophe.

gouache on paper, 2.4 m x 5.5 m (8 x 18 ft), 2016
detail

Buried Dance Pavilion

A spectacular performing room imagines pleasure-filled evacuees in full swirl.

gouache on paper, 2.4 m x 5.5 m (8 x 18 ft), 2015
detail

Subterranean Day Spa

Mineral-rich spring water pool provides evacuees with contemplative time for hygiene.

gouache on paper, 2.4 m x 6.1 m (8 x 20 ft), 2013. University of Manitoba School of Art Collection
detail

Entrance to an Underground Riding Academy

Extensive stables enable evacuees to commute between the sauna and the greenhouse.

gouache on paper, 2.4 m x 6.1 m (8 x 20 ft), 2011. University of Manitoba School of Art Collection
detail

photographer: Tracy Peters, Robert Barrow

Grottesque at the Dunlop Art Gallery in 2018 (toured Canada)
https://www.facebook.com/dunlopartgallery/videos/1772887172742819/