Surface All the Way Through – Arianna Richardson
Surface All the Way Through – Arianna Richardson
Surface All the Way Through – Arianna Richardson
“This surface that seems to coat nearly everything in the world
becomes a world unto itself, its surface creating an impenetrable
depth while also rendering other objects impermeable, sealing
them off from the outside and forcing a slowing down, a stasis,
a living death.”
Surface all the way through is an exploration of superficiality, distraction, reflection, containment, emotional blockages, consumerism, accumulation, and waste.
This exhibition is composed entirely of plastic: a material that I am endlessly attracted to for its shape-shifting mimicry and limitless supply of exciting surface qualities. As a toxic, uncontainable, and grossly over-produced material, it is also repulsive and surrounds me with dread and despair. It is between opposites that I have created these objects: working to both deflect and deal with my own conflicting attitudes in a time of vast uncertainty, inexpressible emotions, and constant horror.
Most of the plastic here is the result of my own consumption habits (discarded packaging) or collected from the thrift store (abandoned craft supplies and decorations). Contained within the hand-crafted gallery seating is 5 years worth of collected plastic packaging and several of my own old artworks and material experiments.
Bio:
Arianna Richardson is a sculptor, performance artist, sewist, and mother from Lethbridge, AB in Treaty 7 territory. She is a lifelong crafter and thrift-store enthusiast, constantly collecting plastic-based trash and discarded craft materials. Richardson sometimes performs under the pseudonym, The Hobbyist, taking her hobby-craft pursuits outdoors to activate public spaces and talk to people about trash.
Richardson holds a BFA (2013) in Studio Arts from the University of Lethbridge and an MFA (2018) from NSCAD in Halifax, NS. Her new book, Garbage Party: A Collection of Thoughts About Trash, was self-released in March 2021. Check out www.ariannarichardson.ca for more.
Date:April 16th, 2022 - June 4th, 2022
Location:Casa - Main Gallery
Casa Program Guide
The Casa Program Guide is produced three times a year; Winter, Spring/Summer and Fall. Inside the guide find listings for the upcoming class and workshop schedule, upcoming exhibitions at The Gallery, information about artists in residence and seasonal events in the building. Program guides are free. Pick-up guides at Casa or at facilities throughout the city.