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Home » Exhibitions » Lucky Rabbit: In an ancient garden
Return to search results Lucky Rabbit: In an ancient gardenLucky Rabbit Red Fish Bowl 2010 porcelain with underglaze decoration 37 cm diam; 8 cm high (interior view) photo: Ray Mackie The collaborative potters Debra Kuzyk and Ray Mackie (Lucky Rabbit) have practiced in the Annapolis Valley since 1999. This their first solo exhibition in a non-commercial venue. It takes the form of a garden-like installation filled with colourful meta-wares— quasi-functional pottery made especially for the exhibition. Guest Curator Gloria Hickey has worked with the artists to develop the concept of the ancient garden, which refers to Kuzyk’s decorative motifs inspired by ancient Islamic sources, Chinese wares of the Song Dynasty and also to the pervasive aesthetic of the pastoral in Nova Scotian arts. The installation design alludes poetically to the components of a formal garden. These components encompass: SKY—ceramic wall tiles in the shape of clouds, stylized à la chinoise; WATER—sculptures of swimming manta rays floated at various heights above the floor; and EARTH—extravagantly decorated, over-sized vessels emblazoned with stylized plants and animals. The installation has intentionally been kept sparse to suggest a theatrical mise-en-scène as opposed to the bourgeoning retail displays found in pottery shops. Its elegant design, including symbolically coloured exhibition furniture, owes much to Ray Mackie’s gifts as a sculptor and installation artist. OPENING RECEPTION Meet the artists during the opening reception on Saturday 21 May, from 2 to 5pm. Curator Gloria Hickey will give a short talk about the exhibition. Also opening is Dirt, Detritus and Vermin in the mezzanine gallery. (Out of stock) Exhibition Images Click on an image to enlarge it. |