Elizabeth MacKenzie
UnBecoming: An Annotated Exhibition
September 14 – October 22, 2016
Artist Elizabeth MacKenzie presents a new series of large-scale, drawing-based digital prints investigating the problematics of self-portraiture, along with two additional installations that annotate her creative process within the development of this work.
The passage from small drawing to large digital print heightens the ambiguity of the image. An installation opposite the prints offers a glimpse into the motive and method behind the work. The artist describes a collection of sketches, experiments, and fragments from past projects as a “genealogy” of her new work. A large mind map, rendered directly on another gallery wall, reflects her ruminations on this project.
Studio visits with a number of artist colleagues, from a variety of backgrounds, are crucial to MacKenzie’s process. These conversations will move into the gallery within a series of three public programs, noted below. This continuing dialogue will be documented within the artist’s blog.
Elizabeth MacKenzie is a Vancouver-based artist whose drawing installations have been shown across Canada including exhibitions at the Mount Saint Vincent Art Gallery (Halifax), the Agnes Etherington Art Centre (Kingston), the Glenbow Museum (Calgary), the Mackenzie Art Gallery (Regina), and the Vancouver Art Gallery. A sessional instructor at Emily Carr University (Vancouver), MacKenzie has also developed numerous participatory drawing projects for adults and children at galleries, schools and community centres. She maintains an ongoing commitment to collaborative and community-engaged practices, critical writing and teaching.
Reception: Sunday, September 18, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
How it Begins: Sunday September 18, 2 p.m.
Artist Elizabeth MacKenzie discusses the history and thinking behind her work during an exhibition tour
How it Develops: Saturday October 1, 2 p.m.
What role do other artists play in an artistic practice? A discussion with artists Elizabeth MacKenzie and Jin-me Yoon
How it is Shared: Saturday October 22, 2 p.m.
A discussion on the value of public engagement with artist Elizabeth MacKenzie and artist/arts programmer Cyndy Chwelos
