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By Justin Dionne

Two new exhibitions coming to Art Gallery this evening

Mar 7, 2019 | 4:30 AM

Starting today, there are some new shows making their way to the Grande Prairie Art Gallery.

The exhibitions will be the Art Gallery’s first gallery shows for the current Curator, Derrick Chang.

The two new exhibitions put a focus on the power of images, social media, and sound.

Chang says he’s excited to present his first show, as it’s something the community hasn’t experienced before.

“It’s my first show that comes completely from my perspective and my voice,” says Chang. “I’m excited. I think it’s a chance to bring something new, and I’m excited to see how people react to something so different.”

The new shows are called ‘Mercury’ and ‘Glamour & Vapours’.

‘Mercury’ was created by Beaverlodge artist Parker Thiessen. Thiessen’s piece uses the altering of signals to explore the sensory world and the breakdown of communication. Chang notes that sound art is one of the things he’s most excited for the community to experience.

“It’s really immersive. You get a sense when you’re in there that it kind of engulfs you, it’s very atmospheric. For me, I think contemporary art is about an experience. I think this definitely conveys that type of experience,” says Chang.

Thiessen will be performing a half hour long sound art performance during the opening of the show.

‘Glamour & Vapours’ is a group exhibition of Karilynn Ming Ho and Lorna Mills. Their show highlights how text and images can be used to control or influence perceptions.

The Art Gallery’s Executive Director Jeff Erbach weighed in on the new shows, saying these exhibits will be something fresh for the community to experience.

“Derrick is a thoughtful Curator, who is bringing to us something totally fresh, interesting and insightful. We’ve not presented many shows like this, in the way, on these subjects. So we’re excited for our community.”

The opening reception begins today at 7 p.m.

by Justin Dionne