Fashioned from utilitarian materials, Stevenson’s quasi-representational sculptures appear deceptively familiar. Pendulous lead forms reminiscent of tear-drops balance tenuously on wire anchors, while white globular objects molded from tissue paper extend from arching metal stems affixed to the wall.
The Art Gallery of Bishop’s University is pleased to present "Hundreds and
Thousands", a site-specific installation by Sarah Stevenson from January 23 -
March 3, 2002.
Fashioned from utilitarian materials, Stevenson’s quasi-
representational sculptures appear deceptively familiar.
Pendulous lead forms
reminiscent of tear-drops balance tenuously on wire anchors, while white
globular objects molded from tissue paper extend from arching metal stems affixed to the
wall.
The opacity of the former groupings is contrasted with a series of
organic, womb-like forms, whose underlying metal structures are enveloped by transparent
black nylon sheathes. Clustered in random patterns alongside drawings of similar
shapes, these works are seemingly suspended, hovering in an indeterminate
space between abstraction and representation. The uncertainty that accompanies
these sculptures’ indiscernibility encourages a multiplicity of readings.
Attempts to decode these artworks within the conventions of a literal linguistic system
will offer limited insight. Visceral engagement will only ensue when the viewer
submits to a state of corporeal recollection, revisiting memories of bodily
experiences. The materiality of these forms induces an exploration of the
sensorial dimensions of memory, summoning desires and fears from the depths of our
unconscious and providing conduits to our corporeal past.
Sarah Stevenson is a Montreal-based artist who has had solo exhibitions at the
Southern Alberta Gallery and the Saidye Bronfman Centre for the Arts.
Participating extensively in group exhibitions on the international scene, her
works have been shown in museums and galleries in the United States, Columbia
and Austria. In addition to being awarded the Canada Council Paris Studio from
September to November 2001, in January 2002 her work will appear in "Officina
America" a group exhibition to be held in Bologna, Italy.
VERNISSAGE: Wednesday, January 23, 2002, 5-7 p.m.
Artist 's talk: Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at the Art Gallery of Bishop’s University
Sarah Stevenson will be available for interviews on January 30 and January 31, 2002
HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
Admission is free
For further information or to book a tour of the exhibition please contact
Allyson Adley (819) 822-9600, ext. 2687
Art Gallery of Bishop’s University
Lennoxville, QC
Canada