Studio Alert: Illuminating the Source

October 5, 2006 - January 5, 2007
Curated by Allan MacKay, KW|AG
Presentation Sponsor: Tula Foundation

Artists: Paul Dignan, Melissa Doherty, Soheila Esfahani, Noriko Maeda, Paul Roorda

Public Opening: Thursday October 5, 2006, 7 - 9 p.m.

It is no secret that Waterloo Region is teeming with creative individuals. Our Studio Alert series is designed to acknowledge and showcase the range and quality of artistic practice taking place in the region. This recent instalment of the Studio Alert Series, Illuminating the Source juxtaposes the final product - the art - with its myriad sources in an effort to reveal a moment in the evolution of the individual artist's practice.

In preparation for this exhibition, KW|AG Curator Allan MacKay conducted studio visits over a period of months. During this process, MacKay grew interested in the source materials that the artists were using to build the foundation of their practice - a simultaneous reminder of the power of both tradition and innovation. MacKay states:

"Every artist always has their motivators and source material that they work from, and I am interested in actually making this part of the exhibition. My intention is to generate a conversation with the audience and to show the connection between the origins of the inspiration and the actual work. I see this very much a part of our educational role."

The Gallery's exhibitions are often supported by the production of an interpretive video, which generally includes interviews with the artists and installation shots of the work. Drawing on a "cinema verité" style of filmmaking, the video for this instalment of Illuminating the Source will place the viewer in the company of the curator during conversations with the artists in their studios. Both the exhibition and the accompanying video will provide viewers with what MacKay calls a "unique insight into the creative mind and the artistic process, a first-hand glimpse into ideas and innovation -- how ideas are shaped, how they evolve, and what the results turn out to be."

View the Studio Alert video (Requires Quick Time player - please be patient while file downloads.)