by Ryan Broderick
Kwantlen Polytechnic University will be hosting its first grad exhibition in the newly renovated Spruce Building at the Surrey Campus on April 5th, 2019. The exhibition will feature seven emerging artists that have completed/near completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts-Visual Arts degree under the institution.
The artworks included in the exhibition explore diverse themes, engaging with people, places, and current issues. They vary in mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, and mixed media. More specifically, this exhibition gives the audience the opportunity to see new approaches to artmaking.
Joyce Lai, an artist in the exhibition has created a juxtaposition through tattooing historical content on an unconventional surface. Her previous artwork Untitled, 2018 includes peels of oranges, a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture and are often used as offerings during Taoist ceremonies and festivals. The peels have been used in place of skin as the surface she tattoos on. Lai’s approach creates tension between tradition and the contemporary world in which she lives – a liminal space between two contrasting cultures.
Eva Yang is another artist whose humorous digital photography work explores the theme of cultural exchange between the Asian and Western Culture, both from which she hails. Yang investigates her life and identity in relation to her culturally mixed upbringing and the various phenomenon she has experienced. Her previous piece Fortune Cookie, 2018 is just one of many works creating awareness for this still relevant societal issue in an innovative and visually interesting way.
These are only a couple of artists that will be showcased in the exhibition along with many more talented artists artwork to be viewed. Join the artists at the opening reception on April 5th, 2019 at 6:00pm-9:00pm, 12666 72 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 2M8, and take the opportunity to talk with the artists and view the exhibition.