Sculptural Installation

March 22 – April 29, 2011

Opening Reception on March 26, 2pm

Click here for schedule of presentations.

This Spring, local artist and climate activist, Karen Carriere invites viewers to reflect on humanity’s profound impact on the Earth, with an installation entitled ‘Presence’.

As Carriere explains, “globally we face the prospect of complex disasters: mass extinctions of species and ecosystems, altering of the earth’s climate system, more frequent and widespread shortages of fresh water and food  … the list goes on.” For the artist, the term ‘presence’ means ‘giving full attention to what’s happening’, which especially includes feeling emotions about it. Art can transform scientific evidence into images that help people understand the need for behavioural changes.”

The medium of sculptural installation may not be familiar to some viewers. Rather than framed works on the wall, everyday and natural materials are composed into various tableaux. These have evocative qualities and convey a visual drama, like theatre. Some can be moved through or interacted with; others will alter during the exhibit.

“This may be disturbing work because it raises questions without answering them, but it expresses widespread concerns”, says the artist.

Carriere is a graduate in Art History from Queen’s U., who studied Fine Arts at York U. and also graduated from the Ontario College of Art (now OCADU). She has shown in Ottawa, Toronto, at Queen’s U. and has taught printmaking and drawing at St Lawrence College. Local artist Dora Campbell, her mother, was also an instructor at SLC.

For many years, Carriere also operated the plant nursery Centre Commons Perennials on the family’s small acreage near Newington, where many of the ornamentals have now been replaced by fruit and nut trees and vegetable gardens.

During the exhibition, the artist is presenting Saturday talks to inform and inspire visitors on wide-ranging topics such as community solutions, regional biodiversity, vegetable gardening, papier-mâché, and meditation. Contact CRAG for the schedule.