Paul Chartrand, MFA Thesis Exhibition, Artlab Gallery
Paul Chartrand
Gardening At Arm’s Length
April 17th – 28th, 2017
Closing Reception: Friday, April 28th • 6-8PM
The Artlab Gallery is pleased to present the MFA thesis exhibition, Gardening at Arm's Length by Paul Chartrand.
Chartrand’s solo exhibit includes a variety of work based on his research into hydroponic growing systems, and the mediated relationship humans have with the environment. His assemblage based sculptures represent a hybrid amalgam of repurposed objects, embedded hydroponic systems, and the plants they support. His projects are akin to models of systems that exist outside the confines of the gallery. Included in the exhibit are drawings based on Chartrand’s direct research into industrial hydroponic operations in the Leamington Ontario area, and abandoned greenhouses found in Haldimand County.
Collectively, these projects represent the artist’s interest in questioning the nature/culture divide in both critical and unavoidably absurd ways. Whether addressing popular Canadian consumption of “wilderness” in outdoor recreation or the waste stream generated by coffee production, Chartrand initiates meaningful conversations with his practice.
Through this exhibition, Chartrand aims to undermine false dichotomies in a playful but critical manner in order to establish a more nuanced respect for the interconnectedness of ecology.
EXHIBITION TOUR
Saturday April 22, 2017 at 2:30PM
Join Paul Chartrand for a free exhibition tour.
The Gallery will be open on Saturday April 22 from 1-4PM
