Liz Magor: The Mouth
and other storage facilities

East Gallery, Henry Gallery
Seattle WA – through Dec 14, 2008
Simon Fraser University Gallery
Jan 10–Feb 21, 2009

Liz Magor, Raccoon (detail), 2008, polymerized gypsum [Henry Art Gallery, Seattle WA, Sep 13-Dec 14] Private collection. Photo: Scott Massey, Site Art Services

Liz Magor, Mouse on Tray, 2008, polymerized gypsum [Henry Art Gallery, Seattle WA, Sep 13-Dec 14] Private collection. Photo: Scott Massey, Site Art Services

The Mouth and other storage facilities presents a group of recent work by Vancouver artist Liz Magor. Real objects and cast sculptures -- food trays, clothing, such "culturally loaded" items as cigarettes, liquor, and candy, and the bodies of small animals like a raccoon and a mouse - are combined in startling accretions that continue her practice of investigation into issues of authenticity and representation. They also demonstrate her skill in using sculpture as a way to "confound the boundary" between the real and the imagined.

Throughout her prominent career, Magor has explored the relationship of the real to the simulated in numerous provocative ways. In particular, her work has used concepts of wilderness to examine themes of refuge, domesticity, survivalism, consumption, and the dilemma of finding identity in modern society.

For more than 30 years, Liz Magor has exhibited internationally in such prestigious exhibitions as the Venice Biennale, the Sydney Biennale, and Documenta. In 2001 she was awarded the Governor General's Visual and Media Arts award. She has taught at a number of institutions across Canada, including the University of British Columbia, the Ontario College of Art and Design, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design. She currently lives and works in British Columbia. Liz Magor: The Mouth and other storage facilities is organized by Henry Associate Curator Sara Krajewski and Simon Fraser University Gallery director Bill Jeffries.

www.henryart.org

Mia Johnson