Brandt Eisner: Dogmatica

The Art of Questioning Beliefs

Brandt Eisner, Love is a Battlefield? Bibles, toy soldiers

Brandt Eisner: Dogmatica

April 1 – May 27, 2023
Opening Reception: April 1, 2023
ARTSPLACE Gallery
Annapolis Royal, NS
www.arcac.ca

As a self-described queer man growing up in a small, rural Evangelical Baptist community on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Brandt Eisner’s early life was shaped by the doctrines of the church; he witnessed how strongly held beliefs destroyed families and created divisions within the larger community.

In his youth, Eisner began creating assemblages as a way of coping with his pain.

“I did not know I was making art; I simply felt a need to express myself using visual language,” Eisner explains.

At 16, Brandt discovered a large number of shoe remnants on his grandparents’ property. Although the old family dump had mostly been reclaimed by nature, his deep interest in archaeology led him to excavate the spot. These remnants of the past became the inspiration and material for his first assemblage, titled “Soles of Time”.

“The artwork in Brandt’s upcoming show “Dogmatica” asks us to consider the systems that have shaped the basis of so much of our Western culture. Some of the work may come across as confrontational, asking the viewer to question religious beliefs and history,” said Sophie Paskins, ARTSPLACE Gallery Director.

“Doctrines using fear and guilt have been passed down for generations, to promote ‘appropriate’ behaviour. With this body of work, I examine the impacts of religious doctrine and dogma in shaping us as a society,” Eisner adds.

Eisner’s work—primarily sculptural—speaks to the queer male experience; his work aims to convey what is familiar to many queer men, particularly those who grew up in a rural setting.

I believe that for those who are not queer, my work reflects the “otherness” that all of us have felt at some point. I want the viewer to bring their own history to my work, for theirs is as valid as mine. I want my work to reflect the commonality we all share, despite our age, gender, skin colour or sexual identity.

Brandt Eisner’s “Dogmatica” opening reception Sat. April 1, 2023, 12-2 p.m. Also opening Wayne Boucher’s “Holding Spring” and Ingrid Cottenden’s “Glow Spectrum”. Light refreshments served, all welcome. Brandt Eisner Artist Talk is Sat. May 6, 2:00pm. “Dogmatica” continues through May 27.

Brandt Eisner, Bound to Fail – Pray the Gay Away, 2023

Brandt Eisner is a graduate of NSCAD with a BFA Interdisciplinary Arts, has owned two galleries, worked in two other local galleries, curated many shows, as well as grown his art practice. He is currently the curator of The Ice House Gallery in Tatamagouche and co-creator of Eisner/Feit events and productions.

ARTSPLACE is a public Art Gallery that is operated by the Annapolis Region Community Arts Council (ARCAC). ARCAC is a registered charity, dedicated to encouraging and promoting the arts. Supported through the Province of Nova Scotia and the Canada Council for the Arts.

ARTSPLACE Gallery
396 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal, NS
www.arcac.ca
admin@arcac.ca
902-532-7069
Facebook @ARTSPLACEGallery
Instagram @arcac.artsplace

Accessibility:
ARTSPLACE is partially accessible (main floor galleries).