Eroded Origins: Liminal Illusions Amidst Climate Transformations

COQUITLAM, British Columbia - July 23, 2024 - PRLog -- Recently co-featured on CBC Radio-Vancouver's On the Coast with Gloria Macarenko and SFU Radio's CJSF; digital artist Garrett Andrew Chong announces his first solo exhibition since 2021. Chong's new art project titled Eroded Origins: Liminal Illusions Amidst Climate Transformations, will be featured in the Lenore Peyton Salon at Place des Arts located in the Greater Vancouver area; late summer/fall, 2024.

Garrett Andrew Chong's recent group exhibitions span prominent venues including The ACT in Maple Ridge, SODS in Saskatoon, PARC in Whistler, and Arts in the Garden hosted by NorthVan Arts.

Chong's Eroded Origins, is an immersive exhibition which aims to raise awareness regarding climate change and the interconnectedness of Gaia's ecosystems. The show comprises three core elements: The Flow, The Cut, and The Blessing. The Flow series portrays  the devastation caused by climate change and human impact through forest fires while simultaneously symbolizing a protective aura above the atmosphere. The Cut series emphasizes the juxtaposition of the horrible-beauty between clear cuts and forest renewal, reflecting themes of detachment and attachment as humanity seeks solace from the residue of our ecological actions. Presented as a video loop, The Blessing, acknowledges the devastation in the Kruger Lake Clear Cut and its surrounding habitat in northern BC. This segment underscores the urgent need for a critical reassessment of government environmental and climate action policies.

Chong's latest body of work is deeply rooted in the unceded traditional territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Tsilhqot'in, and Dakelh Nations. "I am grateful for the opportunity to amplify the urgent message of climate art and to give voice to the patrons who support climate action," says Chong. Through thought-provoking engagement, patrons are encouraged to reflect on two key questions: "If the forest could communicate, what would it say? Speak for Me!" and "What is your age?" This inclusive dialogue captures diverse perspectives and underscores the universal importance of environmental consciousness.

Garrett Andrew Chong gained emerging prominence during the 2022 Eastside Culture Crawl in East Vancouver, BC, Canada, lauded by Stir Vancouver's article "Five Eastside Culture Crawl Artists Using Technology to Catch" and TriCityNews.com's "Artist of the Week."

A fourth-generation Chinese-Canadian, Chong's artistic journey began with honours from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in the mid-1980s. His evolution from visual communications to digital photography has consistently explored themes of light, starting from early black-and-white infrared film to capturing unseen light  with HDR technology. His recent works reflect a spiritual resonance with natural elements, shaping a shimmering narrative by engaging with natural forces.

Place des Arts:
https://placedesarts.ca/events/garrett-chong-eroded-origins-liminal-illusions-amidst-climatic-transformations/

Artist:
https://www.garrettandrewchong.com/

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