[BCMA] Nanaimo Art Gallery | Spirit Gum | Opening May 29, 7pm

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Image: Katie Lyle, *The Writer and The Reader* (2014), Oil on canvas,
12"x16"* Spirit Gum*

*May 30 to August 8*
*Opening May 29, 7pm*

*Nanaimo Art Gallery*
*150 Commercial Street*

*Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5G6** <250.754.1750>*
 *250.754.1750 <250.754.1750>*


Mike Bourscheid, Claude Cahun, Gilbert & George, Jack Harman, Carole Itter,
Katie Lyle, Elizabeth Milton, Shana Moulton, Frank Ney, Skawennati, Krista
Belle Stewart, and Luo Zhijian


Spirit Gum is a kind of glue used to adhere costume to skin. This compound
of alcohol (spirit) and resin (gum), suggests a double reading. By way of
this sticky substance, objects are not only adhered to bodies, but also
inspirited with character. In the exhibition *Spirit Gum,* this merging of
costume and wearer is activated through newly created and existing
artworks, alongside works from the permanent collection. Performing through
a range of media, artists enact the self, as it begins to resemble another.



Spirit Gum is invisible, and with it the contrast between adornment and
body can disappear too. Through this process, a self is rendered as truth
or a part of a very good lie. Herein identity itself can be both revealed
and disguised. Dressing becomes a personal act of display, and a means to
create a public narrative. At Swy-a-lana lagoon, a former Nanaimo mayor is
fixed in his favourite role, in bronze he dons a Jolly Roger hat and pirate
costume. This figure reminds us that disguise and costume are a part of a
communal performance, and when caught in the act, visitors too enter its
behavioral composition.



This exhibition marks another transformation, as the first show since
Nanaimo Art Gallery’s two locations have merged into one.


For information on programs related to the exhibition visit our website at
nanaimoartgallery.com.



Curated by Jesse Birch and Kara Hansen



Kara Hansen’s curatorial internship at Nanaimo Art Gallery is funded by an
Early Career Development grant through the British Columbia Arts Council.




Thank you to our sponsors: British Columbia Arts Council, City of Nanaimo,
Vancouver Island University. We acknowledge the financial assistance of the
Province of British Columbia.


For more information please contact: chrisk at nanaimogallery.ca
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