Emily Jan | Kali Yug

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Emily Jan

Image: Jean-Michel Seminario / Biennale national de sculpture contemporaine

In Hindu mythology, the Kali Yuga is the age of darkness, signaling the destruction of the world and the eventual rise of a new cycle of creation. The Kali Yuga series is a meditation on themes of disappearance, collapse, and hope amid the ruins. A monstrous humanoid chimera, composed of a writhing mass of invasive species is overtaking native species, moving across a marshy landscape and leaving behind a trail of damage and muddy footsteps encrusted in quagga mussels, weeds, and toxins. Further works in the series draw upon current affairs, art history, and ancient and modern mythologies to speak to the role of beauty in the face of overwhelming loss.

Jan, regarding this work series says, "l hope that the sorrows and  wonders of this time will be reflected in this exhibition, where we might pause to consider and re-consider the traces we leave upon the world around us." She adds that she is "thrilled to be coming to Brandon and to work with the AGSM in producing the final work in the series, a suite of ceramic sculptures titled Cyphers. "

Emily Jan will be engaging in a ceramics micro-residency leading up to the opening of the exhibition on January 26th. Visitors will have an opportunity to gain insight into Jan's process on either Wednesday, January 18th from 1 to 2 PM or Thursday, January 19 from 7 to 8 PM. The artist will be present for a conversation on Friday, January 27th at 1 PM during the traditional AGSM Lunch and Look. An opening reception for Kali Yuga and Here & There, the current Community Gallery exhibition, will be held at the AGSM in-person on January 26th at 7:00 PM.