Kelowna has long been identified with its orchards, agriculture, and in particular, the apple. The city hosts an apple triathlon, holds sporting events at the Apple Bowl stadium, and even the name of our largest shopping complex pays tribute to the noble fruit. The city’s coat of arms displays two apples on the shield above the words “fruitful in unity.”
Vancouver-based artist Christos Dikeakos’ new exhibition entitled Nature Morte takes a look at the orchard industry, in particular the situation for apples.
Dikeakos is a senior Canadian artist based in Vancouver, where he has worked for his entire career. Along with his wife Sophie, he also happens to own an apple orchard in Naramata, and this has led him to spend a fair amount of time in the Okanagan, working, taking photographs, and ruminating over various issues around water, land use, and the history and viability of apples as a crop.
The artist’s photographic images will form the backbone of this exhibition, both as prints and large projections, but various objects, including a selection of vintage apple box labels from his personal collection, will also be included, making for a rich and multi-layered visitor experience.
Dikeakos is one of the conceptual and post-conceptual photographic artists, along with Ian Wallace and Jeff Wall, for example. He has participated in significant moments of Vancouver’s contemporary art history, including Robert Smithson’s Glue Pour in 1970. Dikeakos has exhibited across the country, most recently in Traffic: Conceptual Art in Canada 1965–1980.
The accompanying full-length colour catalogue will include a foreword by Wall, and texts by Kelowna Art Gallery curator, Liz Wylie, as well as by Vancouver’s independent writer Claudia Beck, and the Vernon-based poet Harold Rhenisch.
An opening reception to celebrate this exhibition will be held on Friday, June 20, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Kelowna Art Gallery. Dikeakos will be in attendance and will offer remarks at 7 .m. This will be a free event, open to members and guests, by invitation.
Christos Dikeakos: Nature Morte will be on at the Gallery from June 21 to October 5, 2014.
The Kelowna Art Gallery is located at 1315 Water Street in downtown Kelowna. For more information about current exhibitions, public programming or special events, please visit the Kelowna Art Gallery online atwww.kelownaartgallery.com or call 250-762-2226.
