From Here On

A Group Exhibition by University of Victoria MFA Students

Left: Maryam Tavakoli, Vague, 2022, printed fabric, brass, steel; Centre: Lucía Anaya, Transformation, 2022, handmade seeded paper, organic matter, fabric & wood frames; Right: Connor MacKinnon, Historical Fictions, 2022, 3D printed PLA, composite gold leaf, found object

From Here On

Victoria Arts Council Gallery
July 29 – August 28, 2022

From Here On is an exhibition of works produced by ten MFA students at the University of Victoria, who are at pivotal points in their practices. Growing together amidst recent years of uncertainty, these artists nurture mutually supportive relationships to enrich their diverse ways of working. Ranging in medium, concept, and materials, From Here On is a glimpse of each artist’s research at this particular time.

Lucas Glenn, The Fisher Harbour Studio for Ecological Support, Labour, Life and Guests (2272-73, Podberry Island), 2022, mixed materials, various found and modified objects

Fictional Space
Critically reflecting on cultural assumptions of reality, diverse research and material practices of this cohort has informed various explorations of fiction. Through the speculative lens of historical fiction, Connor MacKinnon explores the physical and conceptual reconstruction of fragmented histories and historical objects. Max Keene creates functional spaces with digital and analogue tools, producing captivating imagery that confuses perceptions of narrative and authenticity. Collapsing the human and nature binary through speculative worldbuilding, Lucas Glenn creates installations that problematize visions of utopian futures.

Robyn Jayne Miller, Recurrent Bodies, 2022, gelatin, electroplated steel supports

Relationships to Nature
Informed by their experiences amidst the ocean, forests and gardens in W̱SÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən territories, many artists within this cohort explore personal and societal relationships with nature. Lucía Anaya works gently with organic materials to intimately reconnect with nature, producing sculptural forms that can decompose into the earth and nourish biodiversity. Using gelatin as a sculptural medium, Robyn Miller empathetically shapes this commercial byproduct to explore relationships that exist between industrial, ecological and emotive realms. Composing infrastructure and environmental data as digital material, Colton Hash creates interactive experiences for viewers to consider cumulative impacts of the anthropocene.

Carly Greene, GRIN, 2022, Steel, Pearls

Perception
From diverse backgrounds brought together within an institutional space, various practices explore and challenge the limits of human perception. Kosar Movahedi experiments with sculpture, drawing and photography to alter visual associations of spatial and temporal phenomena. Leveraging humor as an accessible departure for investigations of material histories, Carly Greene enriches cultural intersections with sculptural metaphor. Questioning associations between memory and identity, Maryam Tavakoli deconstructs hand drawn imagery to produce layered compositions that distort perceptions of permanence.

Moving Forward
Learning from mentors at the University of Victoria and indigenous teachers across Vancouver Island, this cohort has been enriched by the wisdom and guidance of a broad community. Moving into the future, these artists now must carry forward their thoughtful ways of working and continue to nurture reciprocal relationships. With a practice that connects material practice with cultural revitalization, Karver Everson (Długwa’yaxalis) has constructed a home with architectural forms of a big-house. This structure, built within the heart of K’omoks territory, holds space for ceremony and storytelling to foster community resilience.

As a container for relationships and diverse practices, From Here On suggests a point of departure. A moment of turning from what was, towards new and undetermined directions.

Victoria Arts Council Gallery
1800 Store Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4R4

Victoria Arts Council is a non profit and charity gallery committed to the community by providing a space that encourages artistic expressions. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 5pm. It is wheelchair accessible, and street parking is available.

Contact:
Colton Hash
coltonhash.art@gmail.com