Relics of Neverville
Artwork by Frank Forrestall
June 6th – 27th, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 6th, 7-9pm
Artist Talk: Saturday, June 27th, 2pm
Biography
Frank Forrestall is a Canadian surrealist painter based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Influenced by mythology, folklore, and mysticism, Forrestall’s figurative work serves as a visual exploration of the subconscious and human experience. His paintings, initially conceived as meditative and cathartic expressions, have resonated with audiences who find deep emotional connections within his layered compositions. A lifelong artist and the youngest of the Tom Forrestall artist family, Frank has been painting professionally since 2016. He has steadily built a reputation for his intricate storytelling and masterful technique. His work continues to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts, affirming his place in the contemporary art world.
Artist Statement
Forrestall’s work navigates the terrain of mythology, the subconscious, folklore, and modern iconography, creating layered visual worlds that serve as mythic corridors into both private and collective narratives. Within his practice lies a deep fascination with the persistence of myth, and its power to transcend eras and cultures by carrying forward truths that remain relevant across generations.
Through automatism and automatic drawing, he allows archetypal forms to rise unbidden from his subconscious. His process is one of transformation; initial sketches, impressions, and lived experiences evolve into refined visual statements. Through this merging of instinct and intention, Forrestall produces compositions that are both deeply considered and vibrantly alive. This process transforms private visions into shared narratives, creating a symbolic space where individual and collective experience converge.
Each piece invites viewers towards introspection and emotional connection, functioning as both a personal catharsis and a collective mirror that reflects shared struggles and inner landscapes. His paintings move beyond mere representation, becoming gateways to imagined realms and reminders of the enduring relevance of mythic storytelling. In traversing these visual worlds, the viewer does not simply witness a story, they become a part of it, carrying the symbols into their own dreams and waking life.
