Tony Scherman (b. 1950) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. He is renowned internationally for his work, typically executed in encaustic (one of the most difficult mediums to work in).

Scherman's sumptuous images (whether contemporary, historical, or allegorical) reference a range of masters, including Goya and Manet, yet his works are visceral and contemporary. Scherman's allusions to both history, and the history of visual art, are constants in his oeuvre.

Throughout his career, Scherman has created a striking body of work that often portrays the female form; including characters from history or 20th century literature. Ballet is a recurring motif within this theme, with works depicting the likes of iconic dancers such as Karen Kain.

This work features a pair of ballet slippers en pointe, showcasing the innate precision of the dancer’s expertise. Scherman’s rich and textured approach captures the strength in the dancer’s movement, her firm stance carefully calculating the next stride. Dense shadows, broken only by the stark negative space on the dancer’s right foot, invite the viewer to imagine what it would be like to witness the dancer’s grace and form up close under theatrical lighting.

Scherman’s work can be found in nearly every public collection in Canada, as well as many international museums including LACMA (Los Angeles) and Centre Pompidou (Paris)