The Wall Gallery

Whistling at Night. Taylor Harder. 2020

Whistling at Night. Taylor Harder. 2020

Today marks the start of The Wall Galleries second fall 2020 exhibition,

"Whistling at Night" (2020) by Taylor Harder

Taylor Harder is a Métis-Mennonite artist from Fort St. John on Treaty 8 Territory. They currently live in Mohkinstis on Treaty 7 Territory.
Taylor Harder utilizes motifs of rural life in conjunction with geological data to create images which question the role of scientific materialism in colonial narratives. Their work transverses a variety of media in search of images and objects that collapse temporal perception. Verging into magical and conspiratorial territories, their drawings, prints, and fibre works seek to question the scientific as an orientation.

Jackson Sluiter's "Portriats in the dark"

Jackson's interests are in the crituiqe of status and eradication of hierarchy. His work is based in the ideology of Anarcho-syndicalism and a unionization of the working class. A romanticization of industrialized objects in terms of functionality and their material properties of binding, strength and economical practicality. Using text and language in relation to the power and strength of the working class; the people, can achieve in uniform. Developing a theme of objects and imagery relating to anti-establishment, anti-authority and the working class as a means to discuss the internal and external violence created by the strict social structure ‘fire art’ has been governed by.

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For this project I felt very focused on this theme of ‘light’ in relationship to the technical logistics of the camera. Light draws a very strong connection to the effective renderability a camera has in depicting a subject. The camera’s ability to operate as a drawing tool rests on the crutch of light and light in relation to subject. By using the camera in a traditional genre of portraiture to try and convey this connection of the camera to light.

I think the work introduces a level of intimacy. I and in turn, the viewer, become participants in this act of assisted infliction. The viewer becomes part of the work’s participation of delving into decay, building this idea of a comradery of coping mechanisms. A large part of my conceptual momentum for this project came from Charles Bukowski’s remarks on coping mechanisms. “Your job is a coping mechanism, shopping is a coping mechanism, social interaction is a coping mechanism”. Every decision you make is an aid in an attempt to cope with this inescapable void of life as an undefined entity. I think this gesture illustrated in the work, the evidence of human touch in relation to these notions of coping mechanism ties the theme of light as a representation of human interaction. If we are able to build relationships through this ability to cope with life, a bodily presence becomes active in addressing what justifies a fulfilled human experience.

The fact that both bodies being evident in every portrait builds a sense of authorship in the portrayal of each subject. That fact that I am evident furthers the notion of participation in the work rather than an observation. Leaving behind the theme of voyeurism and objectivity the camera is supposed to have, this mechanism to render objective fact. Escaping this absolute and even modernist thought of the camera by being directly in control of this light, directly in control of depiction. - Jackson

Our first show of the fall semester is Jackson Sluiter's "Portraits in the Dark" ! Starting this Monday, October 12th !

Hey everyone! We are calling for fall submissions!! Deadline is midnight October 5th. Submit to [email protected] (along with any questions or concerns you may have). Can’t wait to see your work!!

Hey we’re still graduating!!! If you or someone you know is in their 2nd or 3rd year at AUArts, here’s an opportunity to expand your CV, join AUArtsSA and participate in the community!! Email us your proposal and cv to [email protected] and tell us why you’re a good fit to take over! @ Alberta University of the Arts

We know you have a ton of art, email us so we can show it for you :^) deadline: January 4th 2020 🤍🤍🤍 *** in addition to your art please provide a short artist statement (150 words max) and an updated cv to the email: [email protected] !!!! If you’ve already submitted please resend with the addition. (Sorry and TYSM!!!!!)

🗣 swipe 🗣 its the end of the decade, that means you have a ton of art, email us so we can show it for you :^) deadline: January 4th 2020 🤍🤍🤍 *** in addition to your art please provide a short artist statement (150 words max) and an updated cv to the email: [email protected] !!!!If you’ve already submitted please resend with the addition. (Sorry and TYSM!!!!!) @ Alberta University of the Arts

🗣 swipe 🗣 we know its the worst season of the year but we also know that means you have a ton of art, email us so we can show it for you :^) deadline: January 4th 2020 🤍🤍🤍 @ Alberta University of the Arts

🗣 Our first show of the semester is Carolina Vasquez-Lazo’s “Your Flesh and Blood” !!! Opening reception is this Thursday October 10th from 6:30-8pm (there will be snacks and art)