Proof 21 exhibition at Gallery 44 is an annual event aimed at showcasing emerging artists. This year’s show, for the first time in Proof’s history, is based on a single theme, inspired by the issues of identity, representation and, more specifically, politics of representation, which stem from topics raised at WorldPride. Prior to the opening the artists briefly introduced their works.
Artist Aidan Cowling discusses his work
With a series of collages, Aidan Cowling explores ways of interaction with and within queer space. Aidan characterizes the digital world as an “archive of queer experience” from which he draws his own visual archive, collected from craigslist personal advertisements. He rearranges these images, which represent desire through symbolic objects, into “anonymous portraits”, aesthetically unified through the transfer process.
Artist Megan Morman in front of her work
Detail of Megan Morman’s work
Megan Morman uses plastic beads to create vibrant and joyful portraits of queer performing artists. Megan’s previous art practice involved needlepoint with which she created pixelated portraits of artists, and now plastic beads grant her the freedom to make larger and more colorful works. The playful character of Megan’s work, to which she refers as “my ideal party”, gains a kinky mood through variously colored rhombuses which reference the hanky code.
Detail of Michelle O’Byrne’s work
Michelle O’Byrne’s work is best understood through her process. Michelle starts with a stock photograph, on which she reflects, notes her associations, and collects objects which remind her of the initial image. Some of these objects will become part of her final work.
Artist Michelle O’Byrne explains her work
She works with no more than two stock images at a time, for the process requires deep intellectual focus. Michelle smiles gently when describing how many objects are stored in her studio, in contrast to the minimalistic aesthetic of her installations.
For two years in Mexico, Brett Gundlock has been documenting the citizens’ fight against the cartel. With a background in photojournalism, Brett is particularly interested in global society with Mexico as a country bordering the United States, and yet far from reaching a comparable level of security and quality of life.
Artist Brett Gundlock discusses his series
Figures in most photographs, intentionally non-identifiable, serve a symbolic role. Brett’s goal is to show not just what the situation is, as is typically reported in the media, but also why the situation has reached such a high level of violence.
Photographs by Brett Gundlock
Lindsay Fisher describes the Internet as the realm of the contemporary portrait. Her video work explores the issues of queer bodies and disability, as well as the concept of performing beauty.
Artist Lindsay Fisher
Visitors with Lindsay Fisher’s video installation
The series is based on instructional videos, such as how to apply make-up, which Lindsay recreates with herself and her friends performing the script. Lindsay maintains that the animated quality of these works has the impression of portraiture, for even though the image is ongoing, it remains contained.
Visitors in front of Danika Zandboer’s work We are Monoliths
Not to be missed, Gallery 44 has added Danika Zandboer’s works as a bonus, in the Vitrines. Danika’s photographs are a reflection on “cues and signifiers which bring a subculture together”, here – the heavy metal subculture. Danika explains that its vastness can generate a feeling of alienation from the scene. By dislocating signs relevant to that subculture, she explores the issue of identity politics.
After the artists’ talk the Opening Reception proceeded in a cheerful atmosphere.
Text and photo: Elena Iourtaeva
*Exhibition information: June 20 – July 26, 2014, Gallery 44, 401 Richmond St W #120. Gallery hours: Tue – Sat 11 – 5 p.m.