A new exhibition at Deer Lake Gallery is exploring the fear of empty space.
Horror Vacui runs from Oct. 5 to 28, featuring the works of Mallory Donen, Julie Epp and Kendra Schellenberg.
The artists are exploring the artistic concept of “horror vacui”- from the Latin for “fear of empty space,” also known as “kenophobia” (“fear of the empty” in Greek). In art, it refers to filling the entire surface of a space or an artwork with detail.
The artists, individually and collaboratively, are creating works that emphasize the meditative and time-consuming process involving obsessive attention to detail, mark making, pattern and repetition. The exhibition will include a collaborative mural that will be painted and drawn directly onto a gallery wall.
Individual works will include painting, drawing, sculpture and visual art.
The three artists bring diverse backgrounds to the show.
Schellenberg is an emerging artist and recent graduate of the bachelor of fine arts program at the University of the Fraser Valley. She works in multiple mediums, including photography and pen-and-ink, and her work often addresses themes of body and identity as they relate to femininity and womanhood.
Donen also graduated from the University of the Fraser Valley with a bachelor of fine arts, and she works in many disciplines including photography, painting, drawing and print media.
“Donen is intrigued by the formal elements found in nature, mundane objects, and things in life that are often overlooked or unnoticed,” says a press release. “In addition, she finds inspiration within textures, patterns and repetition.”
Epp is a Fraser Valley artist whose practice includes conceptual sculpture and illustrative art, with a recurring focus on the body. She illustrates both realistic and stylized bodies, and she creates abstract interpretations of the human form in sculpture and illustration.
An opening reception for Horror Vacui is set for Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Deer Lake Gallery is at 6584 Deer Lake Ave. and is open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. See www.burnabyartscouncil.org or call 604-298-7322.
