Pierre-François Ouellette art contemporain is proud to present a solo exhibition by Ed Pien from December 10, 2005 to January 21, 2006. Ed Pien’s powerful drawings of hybridize and grotesque figures defy simple categorization. His monstrous creatures allude to our fears and desires, as well as represent forms of social disruption and transgression. Montrealers will remember his large drawing installation Earthly Delights: the Garden and the Fountain of youth seen at the Montreal Biennale 2002 and in the permanent collection of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. For his first solo show at Pierre-François Ouellette Art Contemporain, Ed Pien will present a selection of drawings, large-scale paper-cuts, and an intimate drawing-based installation.
"The basis for the new installation is a drawing I made this past summer in France that reminded me of Mary Magdalene. As a devoted disciple of Christ, she has been portrayed in countless religious art works as a beautiful and empathetic figure with long flowing hair. What ever happened to her? My own image compelled me to do some research and it is my understanding that Mary Magdalene, by coincidence, spent the last 30 years of her life as a hermit, in France.
The Promise of Solitude contemplates the possibility of what is offered when one embarks on a journey, both inner and outer. Such journeys require abandoning the familiar in order to achieve possible new encounters and transcendence. The video presents a woman spinning. The act gives the impression that she is wrapping the world around her, like a cocoon. She withdraws from the world yet her gaze intensely and confidently engages with the viewer’s. Her movement is enchanting. At times, she seems to defy gravity and floats. With the play of the camera angle and natural sunlight, she also seems to shift back and forth between being an older person and a young maiden.
The lone, life-size ink drawing on glassine is my version of Mary Magdalene. Her hair becomes a furry cloak that protects her. This is a possible metamorphosis if one were to spend 30 years out in the wild. She has four arms, all the more to intensify her searching, beckoning and beseeching. The viewer must negotiate a way through the paper-cut labyrinth and enter into the glowing red structure located within, in order to see “out”. The strange beings encountered at the end of these brightly coloured tunnels metaphorically represent a new realm, somewhat frightening, as these creatures are not yet namable. However, this site is a joyous and celebratory place to be. " Ed Pien
The artist would like to thank the Canada Council for its support.
