Strange New Exhibition at Kelowna Art Gallery – Kelowna Arts and Culture

Discover the Unconventional: ‘In a Strange Place’ at Kelowna Art‌ Gallery

Photo: Mia+Eric

Video‍ still from the 9-channel installation, ‘in a Strange Place.’

This weekend,‍ the Kelowna Art Gallery unveils a groundbreaking exhibition that promises ‌to captivate audiences with its unique blend of art and environmental⁣ storytelling. ‘In ‌a Strange Place,’ a mesmerizing ⁣9-channel video installation by the acclaimed duo Mia​ + Eric, is the result of‍ years of extensive research‍ and ‍collaboration with communities across England, Germany, Norway, and Canada.

The exhibition invites viewers into ⁤a world where foresters, ecologists, ‌activists, and conservationists perform ⁤interpretive ‘dances’ amidst woodland settings. These overlapping,interactive video pieces aim ⁤to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and ​artistic expression,offering a visually⁤ stunning⁢ and emotionally resonant experience.

“The aim of ‘In a Strange Place’ is to translate the complex knowledge and expertise of forest caretakers into emotional and visual gestures for a⁣ non-science audience,” say artists Mia ⁣Rushton ‌and Eric Moschopedis.

Mark⁢ your calendars ‌for a special opportunity to engage with the creators ‌directly. A free ⁢artist talk featuring Mia + Eric⁣ will take ⁢place on⁤ Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. ‌at the Kelowna Art Gallery, located at 1315 Water Street.

The exhibition ⁣runs from January 18 ‌to March 23, 2025, and is⁢ presented in conjunction ⁣with Inner Fish Performance Co. as part of the ‘Living Things Festival,’ which will be held in Kelowna from January 20 to January 31, 2025.

Don’t miss this exceptional fusion of art, nature, and community engagement. ‘In a Strange Place’ is more then an exhibition—it’s​ an invitation to see ⁤the world through a diffrent lens.

How did your ​interactions with the various communities inspire the artistic⁤ direction and content ⁤of ‘In a Strange Place’?

Exploring ‘In a Strange Place’: A Conversation with Artists Mia Rushton and Eric Moschopedis

Introduction too the Exhibition

Question: Mia and Eric, welcome! your exhibition, ‘In a Strange Place,’ is described as a groundbreaking blend of art and environmental storytelling. Can you tell us about‌ the ‌inspiration behind this project?

mia Rushton: Thank ​you! The inspiration came from our shared captivation with forests and the people who care for them. We wanted to​ create a space where the scientific​ knowledge of foresters,ecologists,and conservationists could be translated into something more emotional and accessible for a⁤ broader audience.

Eric Moschopedis: Exactly. We spent years traveling and collaborating with communities across England, germany,⁢ Norway, and Canada.⁢ These interactions deepened our understanding of the challenges and beauty of these ecosystems,which we aimed to capture in our work.

The Artistic Process

Question: ‍ The 9-channel video installation is visually stunning. How did you approach the creative process to achieve this layered, immersive experience?

Mia ⁣Rushton: we wanted each channel‌ to represent a different​ viewpoint—like a conversation between the forest, the caretakers, and the audience. The overlapping videos create a sense of movement and interaction, mirroring the dynamic nature of⁣ forests.

Eric‌ Moschopedis: The interpretive⁣ ‘dances’​ performed by our collaborators were crucial. ⁤They allowed us to express complex ideas ⁤through movement and gesture,⁤ making the scientific aspects more relatable and engaging.

Community and Collaboration

Question: Collaborating with diverse communities seems central to this project. How did these partnerships shape the final work?

Eric Moschopedis: The communities‌ we worked with were our co-creators. Their stories and expertise informed every aspect of the installation. Such as, the dances were choreographed based on their daily interactions with the environment.

Mia Rushton: It was ⁣also about building trust and understanding. We wanted to ensure that their voices were authentically represented, which​ required a lot of ‌listening and learning on our part.

Thought-Provoking Moments

Question: What do​ you hope viewers take away from ‘In a Strange Place’? Is ⁣there a particular message ​or feeling you want ‌to ⁤evoke?

Mia rushton: We hope people leave with a renewed sense of connection to ‌nature. Forests are often seen as distant or abstract, but ​they’re very much alive and deeply intertwined with our lives.

Eric Moschopedis: We also want to challenge the way science and ⁤art are perceived.They’re not separate—they can coexist and enrich‌ each other. If viewers start​ thinking about‍ that, we’ve achieved something meaningful.

Invitation to the ‍Audience

Question: your artist talk on⁤ January 23 is a great prospect for engagement. What can⁤ attendees⁣ expect, and how can they prepare to get the most out of it?

Eric Moschopedis: We’ll share behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creation of ‌‘In a Strange Place.’ It’s a chance to dive⁤ deeper into the themes and ask questions.

Mia ​Rushton: We encourage everyone to come with an open mind and curiosity.‌ Whether you’re an art enthusiast, an environmentalist, or just someone looking for a new experience—there’s something here for you.

‘In a Strange Place’ runs until March 23,2025,at the Kelowna Art ‍Gallery. Don’t ⁣miss this ​transformative exploration of art, nature, and community. Let us know your thoughts in the comments ‌below!