Joe Fafard: Retailles – Gillian McMillan

It’s now almost two weeks since I went over to Burnaby Art Gallery on a Thursday evening for the opening of Joe Fafard’s latest show here in the Lower Mainland. I’m always curious to see what this well-known Canadian sculptor from Saskatchewan has been up to. From his humorous and loving clay sculptures of prairie folk, to portraits of famous artists and later to the metal pieces made in his foundry in Pense, Saskatchewan, I love them all! We’ve enjoyed coming across his foreshortened cows, bulls and horses in various galleries and outside, in Canadian cities.

Now this show, Retailles, is a collection of work made in recent years, using all those laser-cut pieces that are discarded in the making of larger sculptures. He has reassembled them into readily recognizable animals , but has also incorporated images in the spaces between so that you can spend quite a while studying a piece, only to be surprised by a prairie building, person or another animal. Enjoy taking a look at my selection of pieces in this splendid new show (or better yet, go to Burnaby yourself and see them all).

Here is BAG’s description of the show and its intent:

Joe Fafard: Retailles
June 24-August 28, 2016
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 23, 7-9pm – ARTIST IN ATTENDANCE

Internationally renowned, Joe Fafard is one of Canada’s most recognized and prolific artists. Retailles offers an insight into Fafard’s exploration of the laser-cut process featuring laser-cut and welded metal sculptures along with embossed and woodcut prints. French for scraps or trimmings, “that which is cut away”, Retailles not only references the act of removing the negative from positive space to create form, but also refers to the act of recycling these “off-cuts” to create new works. Drawing features prominently in this exhibition, from the reduction of form to line in both three-dimensional and two-dimensional spaces to the Matisse-like cut-outs and the creation of recycled, sculptural collage.

Joe gave a little speech at the opening, after the organizers said their thanks, and explained his process further. I was interested to hear that the enamel colours are fired on, much like a glaze.

There was a planned gathering on the Saturday when he would be joined by his musician son, Joel for a tour of the show. I didn’t get to that but was happy to meet Joel and his son at the Thursday reception. How nice for Joe to have his son and grandson here to see his show.

I have included a photo of some clay folks who were there – Susan Gorris, Santo Mignosa, Sharon Reay and Linda Doherty. It was a happy occasion to see new Fafard work and to catch up with lots of friends and make new acquaintances.