New KAG exhibition features clever wordplay in complex screen prints from Kelowna-based artist

| January 26, 2022 in Kelowna

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A new exhibition will open up at the Kelowna Art Gallery this weekend.

README is a showcase of work from Kelowna-based artist Briar Craig, who is known to incorporate text and clever wordplay into his complex screen prints.

He uses layers of familiar letters, words and phrases in unfamiliar ways to create new meanings, which people can see on full display when his solo exhibition opens on Saturday.

“These screen prints by Briar Craig felt especially timely,” said Christine May, curator at the KAG. 

“Right now there is just so much information and messaging we are being bombarded with from all of the things we are plugged into. To me, these works navigate some of the confusion we are seeing.”

Craig creates his screen prints by using ultra-violet cured ink superimposed over found objects like magazines and chalkboards. 

The labour-intensive process requires many layers and multiple applications to achieve the rich depth of the finished print, with bold words popping forth to shine a spotlight on political rhetoric and reframe everyday phrases.

The results are punchy and immediate,” explained a release from the KAG.

Visitors may recognize elements from Craig’s National Georgrpahic series of prints, but it won’t be a photo of wildlife or natural landscape graving the cover.

Instead, the UBCO professor has buried the striking images with a crush of text, words and paint that leaves only the distinctive yellow border intact.

Once it opens on Saturday, Craig’s exhibition will be there for the public to check out until April 17, 2022.

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