10 and 10: Story of Stories

Works paired under the landscape theme showcase the transformation of Surrey’s cityscape through urbanization, industrialization, and resource extraction. For example, a painting by Abani Sen and a C-print by Dana Claxton consider how traditional art forms can be reinterpreted in a contemporary context. Both artists emphasize cultural meaning and storytelling through representative animals in the landscape. 

In architecture, the selected works draw attention to overlooked and unnoticed spaces or places that might feel peripheral but are important to forming the whole of the image. Gwen Curry’s and Karin Bubaš’ works reveal the hidden corners of our everyday life.

Through portraiture, the exhibition considers shifting conversations about identity and the formation of the social and cultural self. A pairing of works by Jim Jardine and Lakshmi Gill questions who is represented in a portrait and how identity is conveyed and interpreted.

The theme of movement considers both time and material. Lyse Lemieux and Gailan Ngan use sculpture to evoke a sense of motion and stillness. A spotlight is given to Sherrard Grauers’ Sky with Swimmers, installed in the lobby of the Surrey Arts Centre, where it complements the movements of all who pass through the space.

Through all these comparisons and contrasts, the exhibition shares a re-telling of the collection’s stories. Interspersed amongst the permanent collection artworks are written reflections from Surrey-based artists Ying-Yueh Chuang, Kiranjot Kaur, Manjot Kuar, Chito Maravilla, and Helma Sawatzky. Their material practices and perspectives introduce new conversations with the works in the collection.

Alongside the exhibition, a timeline featuring archival markers forms a visual narrative of the Gallery’s past and present. A ten-year span is often considered a milestone and, looking ahead, the hope is that in the next ten years, new stories will continue to unfold. 

Curator: Jas Lally
Origin of Exhibition: Surrey Art Gallery