TEXT-BASED: Steven James Brown, J Lynn Campbell, James Koester, John Will and ARTEXCHANGE

Text-Based

September 18 - November 1, 2009

Reception: Friday September 25th 7 - 9 PM

"Text-based" as a term is commonly associated with computer based applications where the primary input and outputs are text rather than graphics. Text-based applications are not void of graphics, but rather the graphics or images are typically secondary to the text.

For the artists featured in this exhibit, text is an important element in their work. Unlike text-based computer applications the imagery in these works is not secondary to the text, but rather the text plays an important role in the image creation process, making it not more important, but vitally integrated into the meaning, message and aesthetics of these works.

Steven James Brown, Waterbaby, 2002
C Print, 3/15 11 x 14"
(inspired by The Water-babies by Charles Kingsley)

Steven James Brown is fascinated by language as well as the aesthetics of individual words and the way words appear on the page. Brown's photographic images are a result of a meticulous and laborious process involving shredding and sorting, or cutting words from texts which he then arranges, manipulates or covers objects with before shooting with a large-format camera.

J. Lynn Campbell, Involution / Evolution, 1997
from Imprint(s) Series
Mixed-media on Japanese paper
18.5 x 30"

J. Lynn Campbell investigates issues of experiential knowledge and the symbolism associated with memory and meaning. She uses language, words, or text together with visual images, body imprints, and other visceral forms as a means of layering messages and meanings.

Svava Thordis Juliusson, Must Haves 1997
Ceramic with pencil (installation detail)
Size varies

Svava Juliusson created her Must Haves in 1997 as a means to use personal narrative and anecdotes translating them into objects. What started as a list of domestic and mundane tasks and needs, takes on a greater significance of memory and relevance when cast in clay and displayed like a valued plate collection.

James Koester, Of, 2000
Found baking sheet and phosphorescent wire
8" x 8"

James Koester's work focuses on the narrative and the poetic. The juxtaposition of found elements, text and sculptural form creates dialogue, demanding the viewers attention and challenging our cognitive and visual senses.

John Will, Trouble's Commin', 2003
Acrylic on canvas
16 x 20"

John Will's practice has evolved as an experiential autobiography. While highly personal, his colourful attention grabbing paintings draw the viewer into the work through the use of text that touches nerves as he tackles often controversial issues that the viewer can relate to.

ArtEXCHANGE, Declaration of the Imagination, 2007
Mixed-media
15 x 15"

ArtEXCHANGE, a project initiated by Toronto based artist Mary McKenzie working collaboratively with J. Lynn Campbell, Nina Leo, Susan Lukachko, Anne O'Callaghan and Keijo Tapanainen investigating the loss of control in art making. Text played an important role in the collaborative nature of this work adding a layer of narrative, discussion, or debate to the experience.

I am often asked what I look for when I look for artists or for new work. Text-Based looks at a common theme underlying the practice of many of the gallery artists. Do I particularly look for work that is text based? I would have to say no. But at some level I am drawn to work that successfully combines text and imagery. I like the additional layering of narrative, of meaning, of the poetics of one or two carefully chosen words, and like Steven James Brown I love language, text and the sound and look of individual words.

J. Lynn Campbell, Treaty 1995
Detail (1 of 20 chairs)
linen, embroidery on metal chair

Text-Based is on view through November 1, 2009. Please join us for a reception on Friday, September 25th from 7 - 9 PM. And in the spirit of artist interventions, animating public space and audience engagement and interaction look for J. Lynn Campbell's temporary installation of Treaty October 3rd as part of Text-Based Off-site at a location to be announced during Nuit Blanche.

Brayham Contemporary Art is located at:
1318 Queen St East. Toronto, ON M4L 1C5 647.435.7367
Gallery Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12 - 5 and Thursday by chance.
We are also open by appointment or arrangement.