Small Gallery Vast Treasures
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On first consideration, I assumed that the gallery would be larger and that there would be more people around. However, the small gallery and its quiet and intimate setting was a welcome relief and allowed me to view the exhibits without distraction. This should not detract anyone from visiting. An advantage of this setting is that it makes modest exhibits available to anyone who might not have the leisure or inclination to visit a museum or large art gallery.
The CUAG is currently presenting five exhibits:
"Modern U" is a walking and web tour of Carleton University to observe the architecture and style of the campus buildings while also learning a little bit about the history;
"Perfect Imperfect: British Properties" is a collaborative, mixed-media presentation by British artist Chlo Steele and Canadian artist Matt Rogalsky that explores the history and architecture of Elveden Hall in England;
"Childhood landscape / topographic unfoldings" shows us the design process done by Saucier + Perrotte Architects of Montreal, with preliminary, presentation models and photographs of the completed work;
"Arches and Awnings: Architecture in the Arctic" is a collection of Inuit art as well as modern photographs of some Inuit settlements; and
"Unique Journeys: Canadian Emigrant Letters 1815-1852" is a look into the lives of seven immigrants to Canada who have very different lives yet share the same journey, developed by Carleton University's Public History students.
I found it difficult to come up with a single impression of these exhibits, but must comment on a few specific displays which I found interesting.
"Perfect Imperfect: British Properties" by Matt Rogalsky and Chlo Steele is "a collaborative exhibition that investigates the architecture and history of Elveden Hall, a grand and imposing country house in eastern England". Upon entering the gallery, I was drawn to this particular exhibit and the DVD projection on the wall by the constantly changing soundtrack which is transmitted in that space. While watching the presentation and listening to the sounds a feeling of reality arose. Like a three dimensional movie, you almost feel like you are part of the display...