For YYZ Artists’ Outlet David Yu presents new work developed from his research in performance practice, specifically the intersection between performance, installation, and sculpture. Between you and I playfully investigates notions behind heterotopias, object oriented ontology, and relational aesthetics, examining formal structures of sculpture and installation situated within a gallery context whilst punctuated with the performative act/gesture. The works provocatively open up avenues for a more visceral experience, calling on the viewers to actively insert themselves within the work both consciously and involuntarily. Subtle participatory cues signal to viewers that further engagement is necessary, be it participating and negotiating physically, pondering the validity, and investigating more in depth – all whilst playing with the predisposition and stigma that both gallery spaces and “art” often carry with them.

The artist positions himself within the creator catalyst role that generates situations for viewers to negotiate. With much of his work there is an element of social experimentation, garnering responses through a reaction to planned situations. Ultimately David aims for a blurring between a constructed situation and a “real” situation.