March 7 – April 17, 2025
Unnatural Order
The Art Incubator Gallery
Opening Reception for Members and Guests: Friday March 7th, 7 -10 pm
Free admission
Unnatural Order is a captivating exploration of the delicate balance between nature and human intervention. Through a series of innovative sculptures, Dustin Coulson invites viewers to contemplate the profound impact of human activity on the natural world.
At the heart of the exhibition is a series of sculptural works that utilize birch bark as a primary medium. This ancient material, stripped from trees with care and respect, serves as a poignant metaphor for the fragility and resilience of our planet. By incorporating birch bark into their sculptural compositions, the artist pays homage to the natural world while simultaneously highlighting its vulnerability.
The exhibition features a range of sculptural forms, from minimalist and geometric to organic and flowing. Each piece is a testament to the artist’s keen eye for detail and their ability to blend seemingly disparate natural and man-made elements. By juxtaposing the raw beauty of birch bark with industrial materials such as metal and concrete, Coulson creates a striking visual dialogue that challenges our perceptions of nature and culture.
A central theme of the exhibition is the concept of duality. The artist explores the tension between order and chaos, light and darkness, and the human and the natural. Through their work, they invite viewers to consider the complex interplay of these opposing forces and to question the role that humans play in shaping the world around them.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the exhibition also carries a strong environmental message. By sourcing materials ethically and sustainably, Dustin Coulson demonstrates a deep commitment to preserving the natural world. The use of birch bark, a renewable resource, underscores the importance of responsible consumption and mindful practices.
Unnatural Order is a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of the human relationship with nature. Through their innovative use of materials and their powerful imagery, the artist invites viewers to reflect on their own impact on the environment and to consider a more sustainable future.
Artist’s Biography
Dustin Coulson, a.k.a. DUCO, is a mixed media sculpture artist living and working in Edmonton, Alberta. His practice draws its inspiration from the intricate connection between humanity and the environments we inhabit. Through the creation of captivating, abstract works, Dustin explores what it means to exist in an industrialized, digitally connected world that’s never been more disconnected from nature.
From a young age, Dustin’s pockets have been filled with the treasures of nature; objects that intrigue and inspire him. While most of these early finds rarely made it further than his parent’s washer, and eventually the garbage, his latest collections form the foundations of his artistic expression.
In 2012, Dustin Coulson graduated from MacEwan University in Edmonton with a Major in Graphic Design and Illustration. After graduation, he was invited to do his practicum at a local branding and marketing agency called FREE. There, he worked his way from Print Designer to Co-creative Director—a title he’s held at numerous agencies since; designing more than 100 brand systems for both national and international clients.
Top Image: B3B1-(The-weight-of-progress), 2023, birch bark, brick
Photo courtesy of the artist
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