A Gathering

Feb 17 — Mar 6, 1987
  • Violet Costello
Field:

Exhibition

 Location:

Western Front

Description:

In her solo exhibition A Gathering, Violet Costello explored dimension, decorative surface, and wit in a gathering of papier mâché figures. Together, the sculptures commented on contemporary relationships, communication, and social conventions.
Lifesize cardboard cutouts of people dancing hang in a white gallery. Imitating a dance floor, the people are arranged in small clusters. An eerie atmosphere is achieved by the still expressions of their illustrated faces staring into the camera from a high angle. The photo is in black and white.
Lifesize cardboard cutouts of people dancing hang in a white gallery. Imitating a dance floor, the people are arranged in small clusters. Their still, smiling faces, which are either illustrated or collaged photographs, stare at the camera at eye level, creating an uncanny atmosphere. The photo is in black and white.
Seen in black and white, lifesize, cardboard cutouts of people dancing in small clusters hang in a gallery. In a close-up, one sombre expression of a dancer is highlighted in their gaze towards the camera. The lifelike expressions and poses of the sculptures synthesizes a disorienting feeling.
Seen in black and white, four lifesize, cardboard cutouts of people dancing hang in a gallery. Their bodies and faces are illustrated somewhat abstractly, their limbs extending in unnatural positions, yet their bewildering stares create an enigmatic atmosphere.
Seen in black and white, lifesize, cardboard cutouts of people dancing closely together hang in a gallery. In a medium shot, the collaged faces, made of both photographs and illustrations, create an unwavering stare in each sculpture. Their bodies and attire are painted, and their limbs are molded somewhat abstractly, limbs extending in unnatural positions.
Seen in black and white, several lifesize, cardboard cutouts of people dancing hang in a gallery. The cutouts are arranged in small groups to evoke a dance floor. Their smiling facial expressions are collaged by illustrations and photographs, producing a haunting atmosphere as the sculptures stare into the camera. A single dancer is unsmiling, hanging in the centre of the room.
Seen in black and white, several lifesize cardboard cutouts of people smiling and dancing hang in the corner of a white gallery. They’re arranged in clusters to mimic a dancefloor scene. Their expressions are made of collaged photographs and illustrations, while their limbs are molded into somewhat unnatural poses.

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Western Front is a non-profit artist-run centre in Vancouver.

We acknowledge the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations as traditional owners of the land upon which Western Front stands.

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