Make/Repeat/Alter, the next exhibition program at the Comox Valley Art Gallery, examines what meaning can be found in the variations and alterations that emerge when artists create multiples of their work.
The thematic program opens Friday, March 18, with an artist talk at 6 p.m. and a reception at 7 p.m.
The program features three exhibitions: Re:definition by Eric Lesage, The Spectacle of the Walls by Janet Wang, and Make/Repeat/Alter: A Community Response by students at the North Island Distance Education School.
In Re:definition, Lesage literally turns text into textile.
Starting with the question, “What if I wove text?”, Lesage cut a 1,300-page dictionary into narrow strips and painstakingly wove them by hand into a series of mats. The result is visually stunning and complex.
Lesage, a self-taught artist who lives on Pender Island, has worked on the project for several years and the process is ongoing.
Wang’s The Spectacle of the Walls is a multi-dimensional exhibition that includes direct drawing on the gallery wall, and a window installation comprised of sculptural elements and wallpaper prints.
The Vancouver-based artist presents images that are a hybrid of Chinoiserie design (western interpretations of traditional Chinese motifs) and contemporary structures. Her vision is to make compositions that are esthetically pleasing on the surface, but upon closer inspection they present the viewer with individual parts that are challenging and aggressive.
Students from both the fine arts program and the New Technology, Engineering and Robotics program at NIDES will present their response to the program’s theme with their exhibit Make/Repeat/Alter: A Community Response.
The student work incorporates printmaking, weaving, soundscape, video, and digital art pieces.
Make/Repeat/Alter will be on display until April 16.
After the opening event, the gallery will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The CVAG gift shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, call the gallery at (250) 338-6211 or visit www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com