Shane Kapcala
Opening: Friday June 3th, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Exhibition runs to June 26th, 2011.
Gallery Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 12 to 4 pm
This series of objects and photos is addressing how processes of modern manufacturing dictate the viability and lifespan that the objects have within their device. While in their original state as a functioning component the object is dismissed and overlooked for the workings of the entire system. Not until the component is malfunctioning and or removed, does it become recognized of its existence as an individual within a whole.
Artist Statement
Originally from Southern Alberta, born in Medicine Hat, I was encouraged at a young age to participate in the Arts. In 1995 I began study in Graphic Arts. Enrolling at The Medicine Hat Community College Diploma Program Visual Communications this program focused on Graphic Design yet exposed me to the world of Fine Art—I completed in 1998. In 2009 I completed a BFA at The University of Victoria, Focusing on Fine Art and Painting.
Residing in Victoria, BC, I draw inspiration from nature, urban type landscape and modern technologies. My work will span through the mediums of painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. I feel it is important to reflect on the modern world that we live in to better understand our place upon the planet. Often I rely on memories and a suggestion of an idea to compose the work. In this way I believe I can more genuinely reflect the world that surrounds us.
Statement About The Work
I collected objects from various sources such as a discarded record player, bulk hardware stock, and bicycle components which have been selected for various reasons, mostly due to their aesthetic. However certain objects—such as a nut and bolt—I selected from a record player because it has a tiny left-over tip of metal on the bolt’s surface which was created during its manufacturing that I found interesting. Most of these objects are manufactured from materials such as stainless steel, copper, or in some cases the very newest of carbon-fibre technology.
The relation these objects have to one another is in their original mechanical purpose, their obsoleteness once worn out, and their aesthetic nature that reflects modern technological manufacturing. Certain objects have been collected from unique sources that make them “one of” so to speak. By this I mean if one wanted to duplicate these particular arrangements it would be costly.
Various pieces are “end” trimmings from expensive bicycle parts that normally would get thrown out, either recycled or ending up in a landfill—rather expensive trash. Other objects come from a different “time”—a 1970’s record player, with hardware qualities that put modern stereo equipment to shame, in terms of the longevity the unit must endure. By this I don’t mean technological vogue, but physical endurance—if a screw goes missing you can replace it—not too many screws on circuits-boards these days.
Each of these objects originates from something of a larger whole. While in their original state as a functioning component the object is dismissed and overseen for the workings of the entire system. Not until the component is malfunctioning and or removed, does it become recognized of its existence as an individual within a whole. The photographs being a macro view monumentalizes the otherwise miniscule objects which transforms the benign into the glorified.
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