Things Fall Apart

A solo exhibition by Erika Dueck

Curated by Peter Tittenberger

Opening Reception: Friday, September 6th 5 – 9 pm

Exhibition Runs: September 6 – October 26, 2019

As lovers and makers of craft, we are easily seduced by materiality, technical virtuosity, and outrageous expenditures of time. FAQs at exhibition openings are clear evidence: “What’s it made of? You did that by hand? Oh my gosh, how long did it take you?!” Using deceptively simple materials, lovingly and skillfully transformed with everyday tools over countless hours, Erika Dueck’s work had us at hello. And like all good craft, there’s so much more to be uncovered in, and under, its surface.

Dueck good-humouredly acknowledges that visitors might initially enter the gallery and wonder, “What’s all this mess?” Flimsy and inexpensive materials, exposed cardboard, tape, glue, wire, pencil markings, cords running everywhere. Sloppy craft? No. Accidental? Definitely not. These are the aesthetic markings of the urgent, the fluid, the ephemeral… the exquisite crumbs the artist has dropped so you can follow her creative process.

Closer inspection of Dueck’s sculptures reveals apertures that beckon us into tiny, perfectly rendered worlds. These spaces function; you could telescope down and inhabit them. The artist has paid attention to every detail so you don’t have to: the beveled edge of a stair, hand sanded; the cabinet handle, adjusted to show weight and gravity. Her intentionality leaves nothing to catch your sock or trip your mind’s eye. With perfect care and dexterity, she has orchestrated physical and psychological spaces for your contemplation, and she bids you enter.

Things Fall Apart is made possible by the generous support of the Manitoba Arts Council, the Arts Branch (Province of Manitoba), Canada Council for the Arts, and Winnipeg Arts Council.