Sleight of Hands MFA Exhibition

 

SOH

Sleight of Hands

October 5-19, 2017

Opening Reception: Thursday, Oct. 5th > 5-7PM

Remarks: 6PM

This exhibition will feature the work of second year MFA candidates; Claire Bartleman, Tyler Durbano, Sharmistha Kar, Graham Macaulay, Matt Trueman, Rah and Joy Wong who will showcase their sleight of hand; that is, the magic of artists creating something from nothing. While each artist works with different materials and themes, the “artist’s hand” and embodied knowledge of making are constants in their respective practices. Through woodworking, movement, stitching, painting and assemblage, art production seems to materialize out of thin air. Much like illusionists, the group aims to both manipulate and pique with finesse and dexterity. The Artlab Gallery will feature work the artists have created throughout their first year In the Visual Arts Department, Western. In addition, the Cohen Commons area will showcase small, intimate works that highlight the relationship between the making process and the illusion of ease through the artist’s hand. At once challenging the notion that “bigger is better”, these portable pieces fit in each artists’ palm, acting as an offering and a prequel to the Artlab exhibition. The MFA studio experience is a demanding one that challenges the embodied knowledge the artists have accumulated. In grasping, kneading, picking, and petting, they show that many hands make light work.