YYZ is pleased to present the sculptural investigations and large site-specific walla drawings of Vancouver-based artist Brian Jungen.
Sections from Brian Jungen’s Bush Capsule, a collapsible, livable tent-like structure made out of dome tents, plastic resin stacking chairs, coolers, sleeping bags, climbing rope, and thermoplastic shrink wrapping, will take up temporary residence in the gallery. It is a work in progress that will eventually be installed in the temperate rainforest of southwestern BC. Bush Capsule is constructed from materials specifically chosen for their use in various Canadian climates. These materials are mass produced to provide humans with shelter and convenience in often harsh climate conditions. This new work is part of Jungen’s recent investigation of the antiquated yet ubiquitous national pride associated with being outfitted to assault the rugged Canadian landscape. Bush Capsule examines the wilderness as a site for the sublime, and the many devices within culture used to locate oneself in the natural, majestic environment.
Also at YYZ will be a version of Jungen’s wall drawings. Similar to projects completed in Vancouver, Banff and Calgary, these large wall drawings will be made from source materials gathered from the streets of Toronto by students from Other Voices, Other Lives. These volunteers were asked to solicit drawings from people on the street depicting their knowledge of Native Indian culture in British Columbia. Toronto Fieldwork continues Jungen’s research into the spectrum of identities and iconography readily available to the contemporary Indian.
Artist Bio
Brian Jungen
Brian Jungen is a visual artist based in Vancouver. He completed his fine arts education at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 1992. Jungen’s past work has employed a secular strategy to create hybridized objects based upon institutional collections of aboriginal artifacts. His new work investigates the wilderness and the varying impulses of individuals to return to the natural. Jungen draws from a number of sources, from rudimentary survivalist doctrines, to eco-tourism, adventure expeditions, and the use of space and materials in the historic seasonal shelters of various aboriginal cultures. His work has been exhibited in Vancouver, Regina, Calgary, and Stockholm. This is his first Toronto exhibition.