In our increasingly globalized context, people are more mobile than ever before. Whether we leave home for travel and adventure, job opportunities, a better life, or refuge from turmoil—the places we inhabit, or have inhabited, often leave an indelible mark upon our lives.
Passages: Narratives of Identity + Space — an exhibition of art by TWU’s graduating art students — looks at how spaces and places impact identity. Through various installations and art pieces, the students explore how a change in space affects the way we think of ourselves, or the way our identities shape the way we look at the world — important considerations in our increasingly multicultural, mobile and hybrid communities. Some works also examine interior places such as memory, dreams and reflection.
Drawing inspiration from teaching English to refugees in Iraq, artist Amy Reese of Langley uses five garbage bags of shredded paper to address how the label “refugee” subsumes the individual identity behind the label.
The evolution of Chinese calligraphy is highlighted in Marina Cui’s work, where different calligraphy styles represent members of her family and express both personal identity and historical context.
Even the banal and every day can undergo transformation when handled differently, as seen in Lucas Koehn’s precise and sculptural work with paper.
Through the lens of his art and his Metis heritage, Joel Gajdos explores the sacred nature of the animal that runs counterpoint to utilitarian perspectives that view them merely as means to an end.
Working with faculty mentors, students organize all aspects of the exhibition, from selecting works to be exhibited, to writing descriptions and text, to designing and promoting the event.
Passages: Narratives of Identity + Space runs now until Saturday, April 29 at the White Rock Museum & Archives, 14970 Marine Dr.
This event is part of the eighth annual Festival of the Arts, Media + Culture (FAMC).
More details at twu.ca/samc
