MOVEMENT
Shawn Reynar
The Main Gallery . September 17 – October 16, 2015
Opening Reception: September 17, from 730 pm – 10 pm
Harcourt House Artist Run Centre, 3rd floor, 10215 – 112 St, Edmonton
By expanding on traditional print and drawing methods, Shawn Reynar’s work explores the possible relationships between the printed mark, gesture and newer technologies. As a means of bringing his imagery to fruition, he employs a number of techniques and processes, including manipulated graphs, grids, associated charts and hand tracings of found imagery related to his current subject matter, ‘essential,’ or ‘familial tremor.’ The notion of the ‘tremor’ in his work, a complex ailment that affects motor skills, lends itself to both analogue and digital treatments. All are layered and collaged together. The end result of these explorations is one that, through different modes of mark-making and movement, echoes sensitivity towards the fragility of time, physical control and the psychological awareness of one’s acute personal space.
There is a great deal of uncertainty with regard to both the etiology and diagnosis that surround these ailments. Motor coordination is an essential element required in our daily activities. For an artist, dexterity and skill are parallel to one’s drive and focus. Reynar is interested in the character and quality of image that comes from these explorations. This is translated and evidenced in his imagery by the peculiarity of mark and line, which connotes both struggle and determination, as well as the tension between the seemingly spontaneous and elements that are composed with control and reticence.
