Candy Bar, Electric Lights: The Scroll Stories of Sean Karemaker

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Sean Karemaker, "Esbjerg Orphanage (detail)," 2018

ink on paper, 6’ x 1.5'

Exhibition Reception: Saturday January 19, 2 – 4 p.m.

Artist Talk: Saturday February 2, 2 – 3 p.m.

Virtual Reality Experience: Saturday February 16, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

In Candy Bar, Electric Lights, Vancouver-based artist Sean Karemaker shows original drawings from his most recent graphic novel, Feast of Fields. This deeply personal narrative series draws from his experience growing up in BC as well as his mother’s childhood in Denmark, focusing on the year she lived in an orphanage with her brothers. With elements of magic realism, this moving work winds together memory, family history, and imagination.

The narrative unfolds over 14 six-foot black and white drawings that encircle the gallery; each meticulously detailed paper scroll flowing into the next. This exhibition offers visitors three different ways to experience Feast of Fields: visitors can tour the gallery and experience the story visually by viewing the wordless scrolls, they can read it with text in its completed book form, and they can plunge themselves in the world Karemaker has created by experiencing the story in virtual reality (VR) during a special afternoon when Karemaker will be present at the gallery.

Using VR to place the viewer inside his narrative as a witness, Karemaker gives them the autonomy to explore the story as they desire. Being immersed in a 360° environment, viewers begin to experience the story themselves; by sharing space with the story’s characters, viewers may develop a deeper sense of understanding or empathy. Karemaker's stories and characters weave through the immersive tableaus he has constructed, bringing the viewer along with them. His intricate illustrated pieces encourage visitors to pause, explore, and be curious.

Sean Karemaker is an artist living in Vancouver, BC. He obtained a diploma in graphic design from Malaspina University-College in 2002 and has worked in illustration, graphic design, and 3D design for video games, in addition to his career as an artist and author working in comics, drawing, painting, and murals. His graphic novel Feast of Fields was recently included in CBC Books's top 16 Canadian comics of 2018.

On Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 2 – 3:30 p.m., join Artist Sean Karemaker and explore Feast of Fields in virtual reality. Space in this VR demonstration is limited, and registration is required. For full details and registration, please visit our website.