STATE OF FLUX - September 24 to October 8, 2011
State of Flux is our upcoming show featuring fifteen large-scale pieces by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Steve Smith Dla’kwagila. This show is the result of an unforeseen event. In the summer of 2009, Steve completed a commission of twelve double-sided 36” elk hide drums for the new C Pier expansion wing at the Vancouver International Airport. The installation was titled Sea to Sky and the drums were painted with figurative imagery reflective of the sea, land and sky. Upon completion of the project, shortly after the drums were suspended, unexpected environmental conditions created great tension on the hide drums, causing them to bend, warp and in some cases break. Steve recreated the project using mediumdensity fibreboard (MDF) to mimic the shape of the drums. In October 2011, these new sculptures will be unveiled in the original location. In turn, State of Flux presents a new interpretation of “reworked” pieces – each drum was carefully selected, re-cut, mounted, framed and is available for $3,800.00 CAD each.
To coincide with Steve’s new installation at the airport, four of the drums from State of Flux will be on display in the C Pier wing for the duration of the show. We welcome you to view these impressive works in the gallery or on our website. A preview will be available online Saturday, September 17th. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 24th, 3 to 5pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
The Sea to Sky project was meaningful to me. I was saddened to
learn that the airport was not the best environment for my drums
and ultimately this would not be their permanent home. Much
creative energy went into these drums and it was my desire to find
a way to rework them. Together with Peter Lattimer, the idea for
State of Flux was born. It gives me great pleasure to see these drums
transformed into new works of art that will continue to be enjoyed.
- Steve Smith Dla’kwagila
State of Flux is our upcoming show featuring fifteen large-scale pieces by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Steve Smith Dla’kwagila. This show is the result of an unforeseen event. In the summer of 2009, Steve completed a commission of twelve double-sided 36” elk hide drums for the new C Pier expansion wing at the Vancouver International Airport. The installation was titled Sea to Sky and the drums were painted with figurative imagery reflective of the sea, land and sky. Upon completion of the project, shortly after the drums were suspended, unexpected environmental conditions created great tension on the hide drums, causing them to bend, warp and in some cases break. Steve recreated the project using mediumdensity fibreboard (MDF) to mimic the shape of the drums. In October 2011, these new sculptures will be unveiled in the original location. In turn, State of Flux presents a new interpretation of “reworked” pieces – each drum was carefully selected, re-cut, mounted, framed and is available for $3,800.00 CAD each.
To coincide with Steve’s new installation at the airport, four of the drums from State of Flux will be on display in the C Pier wing for the duration of the show. We welcome you to view these impressive works in the gallery or on our website. A preview will be available online Saturday, September 17th. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 24th, 3 to 5pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
The Sea to Sky project was meaningful to me. I was saddened to
learn that the airport was not the best environment for my drums
and ultimately this would not be their permanent home. Much
creative energy went into these drums and it was my desire to find
a way to rework them. Together with Peter Lattimer, the idea for
State of Flux was born. It gives me great pleasure to see these drums
transformed into new works of art that will continue to be enjoyed.
- Steve Smith Dla’kwagila