Tracey-Mae Chambers: To The End

May 25 to July 14, 2019
Opening reception: Thursday, May 30th from 7:00—8:30pm

Tracey-Mae Chambers, Drupel (2019), encaustic wax and damar resin, image courtesy of the artist.

In this exhibition, artist Tracey-Mae Chambers explores the theory of the Anthropocene, defined by geologists as a profound transformation in the climate and natural environment caused by human activities; as a result, plant, animal, and human life on Earth is in danger of mass extinction. However, there are those who criticize the Anthropocene for lacking scientific evidence and believe that it is based in ideology. In response, Chambers writes, “the act of ‘leaving only footprints’ is still an intrusion. This exhibition illustrates one possible outcome of our inaction.” Chambers’s encaustic sculptures are created using melted beeswax, which is made more resilient with the addition of damar resin (tree sap). These works represent a multi-dimensional experience that engages the senses—each appears fragile yet durable, mysterious yet invites touch, and emits the faint scent of beeswax.

About the Artist
Tracey-Mae Chambers is a Métis sculptor and installation artist based in Simcoe, Ontario. Committed to art as a vehicle for social change, her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Her work is also included in numerous public and private art collections. Chambers has been awarded several artist residencies, including Artscape’s Gibraltar Island Residency. In 2017, Chambers was commissioned by the United Nations to create six sculptures for the U.N. Environmental Awards celebrating 30 years since the Montreal Protocol was initiated. Her work has also been the subject of feature articles and interviews by CBC News and CBC Radio.

Acknowledgements
Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. Brantford is situated on the Haldimand Tract, land promised to Six Nations, which includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

Opening reception with artist in attendance (free admission, everyone welcome)
Thursday, May 30th, 7:00 – 8:30pm

For more information, please contact:
Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant
20 Ava Rd., Brantford ON
N3T 5G9 (519) 756-5932
info@glenhyrst.ca
www.glenhyrst.ca