Krestova resident Natasha Smith opens her first solo exhibition at the Kootenay Gallery of Art on August 3 alongside an exhibition, Glow, by Quebec artist Sonia Haberstich.
Smith’s exhibition, Mapping Language consists of prints and 3-d collages. In describing her work, Smith states, “Mapping Language is an exploration into the development of my own visual language. In this body of work I muse on the question of how much of the development of visual language is instinctual and potentially universal in nature and what aspects are molded by the accumulation of experiences, memories and place.” Specific symbols, shapes and images repeat throughout the work, yet each piece is fresh and unique. Smith explains, “I am excited by the idea that there are still unknown instinctual or hidden forces still guiding my work. In this body of work I reference some of the early marks or origins of my own visual language, juxtaposing print elements with natural objects I explore various ways of documenting, preserving and combining this information with inspiration from the now.”
Sonia Haberstich offers forms that echo Smith’s work but are presented in a more dramatic style. Although fun and playful, Haberstich’s works are painted with glow in the dark paint, lit by black light in a darkened space. They speak to our fear of the dark and the unknown. Haberstich also has a working process that is similar to Smith’s process. Haberstich states, “It has become clearer to me over time that my practice is born of my meeting with the materials and the strong pull they exert on me. Technical virtuosity appeals much less to me than intuitive virtuosity. It is a matter of a dialog between myself and the environment as well as a celebration of this conversation.”
These exhibitions stimulate not just sight but the imagination as well. They open at 7:00 pm on August 3. Everyone is welcome to attend the free event where artist Natasha Smith will be present.
The shows run at the Kootenay Gallery from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. until September 15. Entrance is free to members and by donation for non-members. The Kootenay Gallery gratefully acknowledges funding provided by the BC Arts Council and the Kootenay Savings Credit Union to enable us to show these artists’ work.
