In 2017, I began a series of lithographic monotypes entitled 'negative space', incorporating the artistic
term for the space surrounding the object & a second more literal meaning of contemporary 'social media';
a space with abundant 'negativity' comprised of commentary, opinion, rage & untruth, all seemingly arriving
at the same destination. 'Identity'.
Every aspect of speech becomes increasingly more fraught with 'meaning', or more than one, derived
from 'perceptions', 'interpretations' or 'subjectivity'. Until something means 'anything' & therefore means
'nothing at all'. Multiple meanings ultimately starve speech of any meaning at all.
This is an attempt to create a language of signs or symbols that mean absolutely nothing, a sort of visual
poetry, offering as many meanings as viewers, without angry undertones. Through creativity, the viewer
may search for an absent meaning, & arrive instead at some sort of meditation.
The Art Gallery of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Treaty 6 Territory and Region 4 of the Metis Nation of Alberta. We respect this as the traditional and contemporary land of diverse Indigenous Peoples including the Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Beaver Cree, Nitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe/Saulteaux/Ojibwe and Dene Peoples. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous, Inuit and Métis people who make Alberta their home today.
