MAIN SPACE EXHIBITION
JULY 15 – AUGUST 6, 1994
RECEPTION: FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994 AT 8 PM
LOCATION – STRIDE GALLERY
722, 11 AVE S.W, CALGARY, ALBERTA
EXHIBITION INFORMATION
BEE DANCES explores how stories create and re-create memories. McKelvey uses two environments, “Home” and “Away” as polarities which viewers travel across by means of storytelling, books, sculptural and printed images. The installation also highlights two story times, the first is a sleepover on July 23 at 10PM (bring a blanket and mat), and another on July 30 at 2PM (bring a snack).
EXHIBITION TEXT
BEE DANCES explores how stories create and re-create memories. McKelvey uses two environments, “Home” and “Away” as polarities which viewers travel across by means of storytelling, books, sculptural and printed images. The installation also highlights two story times, the first is a sleepover on July 23 at 10PM (bring a blanket and mat), and another on July 30 at 2PM (bring a snack).
The title of this exhibition, Bee Dances, refers to the method of communication used by honey bees. The dance central to the theme of this exhibition is known as the “tail wagging” dance. One of many bee dances, this particular dance is performed by a foraging bee upon returning from a successful trip. Through the dance, she informs the other bees of her find and its location. In my work this dance serves as a metaphor for storytelling and for stories of memories, events and journeys between home and away.
“Home” and “Away” are two metaphorical sites between which journeys are made and stories created. McKelvey conceived of the front space as an “Away” area. To reinforce this idea, she utilizes three elements, the Lines of Communications Frieze, the Sackcloth Suit, and the book Away. These elements speak of journeys, the preparations and sacrifices made, and the narration of the events before, during and after travel. The large gallery acts as a passageway through stories of past, present and future memories. In this space the ultimate goal is reaching the comfort of home.
As a person familiar with being away, the ideas and realities of home are best defined through stories of journeys.
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