40/40

While Naomi's been exploring Copenhagen I've failed to keep up the Wardens in Toronto.  With two shows opening in as many weeks perhaps you will forgive me.  Here is a sneak peak of the first, 40/40, opening today at Mulherin Gallery at 1086 Queen West.  Join me from 6-9pm tonight.

Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish.(Genesis 6:17)

The story of Noah and his ark takes on new significance when considering the unprecedented and escalating natural disasters sweeping the world today. The flood story is not unique to Christianity but spans cultures, emphasizing a universal theme of the washing away of the old for new beginnings. Noah and the creatures on his ark were able to start again, but everybody else perished, realizing too late what their apathy and evil had cost them.

In the installation 40/40, over-sized dolls are stranded on industrial debris, attempting to stem the slow and relentless drip of water swallowing their small world. The dolls become subversions of characters from Christmas windows and Disney movies, evoking the naiveté of childhood and a feeling of helplessness to effect change. The base of this "fountain" is strewn with now-defunct Canadian pennies. Like so many empty wishes, the copper coins emphasize the feeling of futility. 

Water destroys; it also washes clean. But at what price?

Photography by Jane Williams