Ian McLean, "A Concern For Safety", oil on canvas, 16 x 20", 2012
Trying to determine the source of inspiration for an artwork is a complex journey. The creative trajectory often appears random and strange because we attempt to make direct connections between the artistic result and the original motivation. When seeing something incongruous the mind attempts to sort out a pattern and, if connections are not immediately apparent, a common response might be to think,That’s weird, and leave it at that.
Not for the artist. The inconsistent and the absurd are often the stimulus for creation. Making connections between seemingly disordered or incompatible objects or events sets up an ideal breeding ground for creativity. When a person or thing appears in an unexpected context, seemingly misplaced, the faulty logic or framework begins to percolate in our imagination. How do we respond when things are not as they should be? Well, it is wonderment. It is weird.
These eight artists create work through a process of trial, error correction and mix-up. They are playing with perception and expectation. This exhibition celebrates the way that all art is weird and wonderful. The title Weird is not meant to demean the work or call into question the value of the creative process. It is an attempt to explore what is really at the core of all invention and insight. Stop, stare and question. Isn’t it all weird?
– Patrick Macaulay
Head, Visual Arts, Harbourfront Centre
Head, Visual Arts, Harbourfront Centre
Artists:
Jesse Bromm, Nathan Cyprys, Robert Hengeveld, Janet Macpherson, Ian McLean, Steve Payne, Derrick Piens and Darren Rigo
"Weird" Harbourfront Centre - September 21 to December 29, 2013
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON
M5J 2G8
www.harbourfrontcentre.com
visualarts@harbourfroncentre.com
