32" x 70"
Sequins on Bedsheet 2022
@andmcphail
Andrew McPhail is a Canadian visual artist. He was born in Calgary Alberta in 1961 and studied at York University where he received his MFA in 1987. Living in Toronto in the 1980's and 90's his work focused primarily on drawing, often with pencil crayon on a polyester film called mylar. After moving to Hamilton in 2005, his interest shifted towards three dimensional work and performance. In his accumulative, craft oriented practice he uses ephemeral, disposable materials such as band aids, Kleenex and post-its to create epic, monumental sculptures and installations and performances . He has exhibited nationally and internationally and in 2013 was the recipient of the Canada Council International Studio in Paris. He is also cofounder, with Stephen Altena, of the Hundred Dollar Gallery and a founding member of The Assembly in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2023 he was a participant in the Nordic Artist Exchange.
THE STORY:
THIS IS NOT AN AIDS QUILT is at once a call to action and an admission of defeat, an attempt to give voice to the sense of vigour and the crushing weariness which coexist in any memorial. The laborious materiality of applying thousands of sequins by hand and the tenacity required for such a futile endeavour satisfies the ambiguity I feel confronting two major epidemics.
THIS IS NOT AN AIDS QUILT references the creation of the 54 ton AIDS Quilt which brought together and gave voice to the community of those affected by the devastating loss of loved ones during the early years of the AIDS crisis. Touching on themes of gender, identity, language and loss, THIS IS NOT AN AIDS QUILT reclaims visibility and survival beyond crisis.
*Please note: Purchased works are available for pickup on Sat. Oct 5th from 12-3pm, otherwise, arrangements will be made between collectors and buyers directly following the Art Circuit.