Traces
Traces is a series of plywood reliefs and embossed paper which emerged while travelling throughout Europe. I realized at the time that an ontological parallel could be created between the physical experience of travelling and the manner in which my work is conceived. Indeed, when travelling one is free to choose their own course, often leading to the discovery of uncharted spaces. Similarly, in my process the knots, grains, and wood defects become clues and maps. In both cases we have an idea of what we will encounter, but the surprises and the unexpected are always present. The exhibit consists of large vertical pieces that echo monumental architectural elements and intimate panels punctured by long horizontals evoking panoramic landscapes. Traces explores the wood’s natural patterns, the artificial marks left behind from manufacturing, and the eroded traces created by my own actions. The excavation continues, waiting to be revealed, to be uncovered. The artist would like to gratefully thank the W.B. Bruce Fine Art European Travel Fellowship.
Yechel Gagnon
©2001 Yechel Gagnon |