Variations on Symmetry

Opening on June 15 at the Kootenay Gallery of Art is an exhibition entitled, Variations on Symmetry, by Canadian ceramic artists Eliza Au and Ying-Yeuh Chuang. These large scale installation pieces will at first glance surprise and delight. Upon further examination the viewer will come to understand the intricacies and level of detail that went into creating them.

Ying-Yueh Chuang explores symmetry in relation to repetition and patterning found in the landscape and natural environment. An example of this is the large scale piece entitled ‘+’ placed on the floor in the centre of one of the exhibition spaces, an intricate arrangement of delicate sculptures resembling underwater plants.

Eliza Au, in turn explores symmetry in relation to precision, order and scale found in architecture. As in architecture, materials are selected keeping in mind criteria such as structural strength and flexibility. Au’s two large ceramic mandalas entitled ‘Mediation of Order’ are references to Islamic tile patterns and Gothic tile and ironwork patterns.

This impressive exhibition combines ceramics and mixed media to create works that reflect the artists’ own hybrid culture influenced by their Asian origins as well as the contemporary Western culture in which they live and work.

Variations on Symmetry will be exhibited at the Kootenay Gallery, located on Heritage Way across from the Castlegar Airport from June 15- July 28th with an opening reception on Friday, June 15 at 7:00pm. There is no admission charge and everyone is welcome to come and meet the artists. For more information visit www.kootenaygallery.com.