Assemblage — an artistic process which in literature refers to a text built primarily from existing texts in order to solve a writing or communication problem in a new context. In the visual arts it consists of making two or three-dimensional compositions by putting together found objects, with the same intent.
Twisted — to alter in shape, as by turning the ends in opposite directions so that parts previously in the same straight line and plane are located in a spiral curve
Be at the Denman Island Arts Centre on the evening of July 26 at 7 p.m. for an exciting opening featuring the functional art of Matt Scanlon, the more metaphorical assemblages of Cynthia Minden, the poetry of Jennifer Lee, and the dance performance of Laurie Montemurro.
Although the work of each of these artists might stand alone at another time, their separate components will come together in a special performance on the evening of the opening, as well as in performances every day at 3 p.m.
Movement and transition are integral to this exhibit: Visitors will be guided from the outdoors to the indoors, invited to move from an external to an internal world, and from a literal to a figurative one. In doing so, the artists hope that we will reflect on the relationships and reciprocity between art, society, and the environment.
The exhibit begins outdoors in the garden with a new bench and chair by Scanlon, and moves on to the verandah where poet Lee and dancer Montemurro will guide you inside. Minden's assemblages and some of Matt's smaller pieces will complete the transition.
Cynthia's installations are three-dimensional assemblages of materials gathered from wetlands margins, forest floors, and foreshores, as well as cast-off detritus from a crowded world. The juxtaposition of her found objects, natural and fabricated, provides a context for looking at a new way to reconcile our negative impact on the ecosystem with our need to preserve it and share it with the multitude of other animals and plants on whom we depend for the survival of our bodies and our souls.
Dance and poetry will weave a thread among the exhibits, finishing back at the door between the inside and outside worlds, the internal and the external, the moving and the still.
Laurie says that her inspiration for this exhibit really comes from a place of sadness at all the waste, and discarded potentially useful things in our modern world. Dance, for her, is a way of coming to terms with these feelings, and like Cynthia, she wishes to effect a transformation from from the unwanted to something that is aesthetically beautiful.
Jennifer is inspired by the beauty of Denman Island, and loves mixed media and found objects. In her words, "Found objects, found words." Movement is the departure point for her poetry, which she integrates with music and film.
There will be a festive air about this exhibit, with the daily performance involving music, movement, and poetry. Additional dancers, musicians and jugglers will make an appearance in the garden from time to time throughout the duration of the show.
The arts centre gallery is at the top of the ferry hill and is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Make a Denman evening of it on the 26th and wander over to the Back Hall for the apres gallery piano lounge where John Harned will be tinkling the ivories in a rare appearance. Just follow the crowd.