Andrew King + Angela Silver, Romalux, 2005, installation, Stride Gallery, Calgary
Michael Awad, Grand Canale, Venice, 2005, digital chromogenic print, edition of 8, 12 x 96 inchesTuesday February 19 @ 7:30, Mount Allison University hosts a public seminar on contemporary engagements with the built environment, featuring presentations by artists/architects Michael Awad (Toronto) and Andrew King + Angela Silver (Calgary).
Moving architecture into broader investigations of public space, Awad, King and Silver have developed distinctive approaches to built environments and urban design/planning through projects that probe the dynamic intersections of art, architecture, and culture. Addressing their architectural and creative practices, the presentations and discussion will take place at the Owens Art Gallery on Tuesday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.
This seminar is presented by the Centre for Canadian Studies as part of a mini-symposium addressing issues related to art, architecture, urban design and Aboriginal culture from February 18-21, 2008
The presenters:
MICHAEL AWAD is currently the chair of the board at the InterAccess New Media Art Centre in Toronto. A trained architect, Awad is well-known for his on-going artistic endeavours and academic research in the field of study "Aboriginal Urbanism." He examines the complex relationship between Aboriginal culture and modern urban design. An adjunct professor at the University of Toronto, Awad's research was recently endorsed by the Architectural Dean's Council to incorporate it into the curriculum of Canada's ten architectural schools. Awad's art practice in photography has also made him a known name in the art world. His photos are part of the Art Gallery of Ontario's permanent collection and he has been commissioned to produce work for the Pearson International Airport and the Department of External Affairs. Awad was also recently featured in the publication Canadian Art.
ANDREW KING and ANGELA SILVER's collaborative work has explored contemporary urbanism and the relationship of the body to the built landscape through multimedia architectural installations. An architect, author, critic, curator, and educator, King has been a recipient of both the Canada Council for the Arts Prix de Rome (2003-04) and an Award of Excellence from Canadian Architect, with work published in several national and international publications. He has held adjunct positions in Canada and in Europe and is currently a visiting lecturer in architecture at Carleton University. Silver is an interdisciplinary artist whose work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Her performative work has been presented recently in New York and at Toronto's Nuit Blanche in 2007.
While at Mount Allison, all three will also meet with students in several disciplines. Michael Awad will meet with students in Fine Arts, Geography, English, and Canadian Studies, while King and Silver will work with students in Fine Arts and Geography, and will involve interdisciplinary students in the Architectures for Creativity project in the development of new work they are creating in Sackville.
Michael Awad's visit to campus is sponsored by the Centre for Canadian Studies and the Department of Geography and Environment. Andrew King and Angela Silver's participation is sponsored by the Centre for Canadian Studies as well as the Centre for Humanities and Arts Research in Transdisciplinary Space.
