Falsework

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“Falsework,” 2025

(courtesy of Mitch Kenworthy, Simon Grefiel, kiyoshi, and the Gallery)

Opening | Thursday, May 1 | 6 PM to 8 PM.

Falsework, curated by Mitch Kenworthy, is a collaboration between artists Simon Grefiel and kiyoshi. Guided by an ethos of care, support, and reciprocity, these artists privilege the act and process of making. Evidenced throughout their interdisciplinary practices are materials and techniques readily gleaned, appropriated, and misappropriated from the various trades and construction work they do to earn a living. For Simon and kiyoshi, artwork and the work around it are not discrete activities.

In this exhibition, kiyoshi shows a scaffold platform built out of two-by-fours and plywood that he has sawed, burned, and belt sanded into a beautiful index of time and labour. A utilitarian structure, it serves as both a means to hand artwork and a stage for a performance. A plywood wall, also built by kiyoshi, frames and supports an installation of Simon’s videos. Produced by Simon while working on a predominantly Filipino crew doing maintenance and fabrication on yachts in North Vancouver, they document the tedium, camaraderie, pleasure, and beauty of working, while equally reflecting on histories and dynamics of Filipino marine labour.

In grunt gallery’s media lab, the artists present an ode to the job-site break room. Provisional furniture, a TV, a casual display of artworks and texts by friends, co-workers, and collaborators creates a setting for rest and respite. Facilitating hangouts and conversations, this space emphasizes the relationships and community in which Simon and kiyoshi’s practices are invariably situated and sustained.

For more information regarding the exhibition, artists, curator, and gallery hours please visit our website at: grunt.ca/exhibitions/falsework/