Canadian artist Tim Gardner the youngest-ever to
hold a solo exhibition at London's National Gallery

Canadian artist Tim Gardner has become the youngest-ever living artist to hold a solo exhibition at the National Gallery in London.

Tim GARDNER Self Portrait 2006 © The artist courtesy of 303 Gallery, New York and Stuart Shave/Modern Art, London

Following a month-long residency at the National Gallery in 2005, the 33-year-old Canadian artist is showing his collection of watercolours and pastels, precisely detailed and photorealistic, as part of the National Gallery's New Gallery Series dedicated to young contemporary artists.

To celebrate this momentous achievement, Canadian High Commissioner James R Wright hosted a dinner for Gardner following the exhibition's January 17 public launch.

Tim GARDNER Nick on the Prairie Facing into the Wind 2006 © The artist courtesy of 303 Gallery, New York and Stuart Shave/Modern Art, London

The event was attended by prominent members of London's contemporary arts scene, including curatorial heads from the National Gallery and leading contemporary galleries Whitechapel and Serpentine, the Art Editor of Time Out magazine, and the Chair of the Canada House Arts Trust.

The dinner highlighted the very best of Canadian art and strengthened cultural ties between Canada and the United Kingdom.

Tim GARDNER Mount Edith Cavell 2006 © The artist courtesy of 303 Gallery, New York and Stuart Shave/Modern Art, London

Gardner's stunning collection of photorealistic watercolours and pastels, which has received rave reviews from the Director of the National Gallery along with critics in the United Kingdom and in Canada, is on display until April 15.

This exhibition is an exceptional achievement for the Canadian artist, and serves as recognition of the high calibre of Canadian contemporary art.