Nicholas Metivier Gallery knows how to put on a show. Their much anticipated exhibition Frames Per Second, a group show about the influence of film and photography in the work of artists Charles Bierk, Peter Horvath & Chris Soos and Renie Spoelstra, opened last night and we just couldn't miss out - apparently half the 20-somethings in Toronto felt the same way.

As Charles Bierk’s debut exhibition at the gallery, the reception was probably more successful than he could have imagined. A recent graduate of OCAD University in Toronto, Bierk is an exciting young artist that has already established a loyal following. If the name of this young prodigy rings a bell it's because he's the son of Canadian painting icon David Bierk. As his greatest teacher, David instilled in Charles the importance of learning from other artists in addition to guiding him in the technical aspects of painting.

The majority of Bierk’s work is autobiographical with His latest portraits beginning in photography, his subjects captured in an uninhibited gaze. The subsequent image is then rendered on canvas (yes, these are paintings) in highly realistic detail (think Chuck Close) with strong contrast and depth. The results speak for themselves.

Toronto-based new media artist, Peter Horvath, working together with Los Angeles-based Chris Soos, engage in a virtual conversation for their feature. Beginning in January 2010, Horvath and Soos have utilized iphone's polaroid application to take snapshots based on a determined theme. Horvath remains in Toronto while Soos travels the world (lucky), then The artists collaborate by editing and formatting the photographs into grid compositions.

young Dutch artist Renie Spoelstra, whose practice is devoted entirely to drawing and is Known for her “cinematic eye”, created suspenseful landscape images for the exhibition. referencing filmmakers David Lynch and Alfred Hitchock as influences, Spoelstra's unnerving drawings capture The feeling of apprehension and awareness conjured in these films.

The only downfall of the evening? The place was so jammed it was difficult to get a proper view of the art and spend sufficient time with each piece. Oh well, guess we just have to go back - darn!

Frames Per Second continues through August 18 at nicholas metivier gallery.