Ruth Beer - Scenes Unseen
video still courtesy the artist
Beer’s installation of new work includes sculpture, photography, and a
multi-projection video. Her work presents an inquiry into the
representation of objects and places, and reflects on the relationships
between art, society and its objects, and how, in turn, these
representations embody economic and social codes of meaning. Through
the use of familiar work environments and generic institutional
furniture, her installation reconsiders everyday activities and places
in relation to objects of daily consumption.
her work with the sensibility of a sculptor, meaning in her work is
found not so much in the objects and images themselves but in the
relationships between them. Marking the third time she has worked in
video, Beer’s projections are set in workplace environments, and pay
careful attention to the visual and spatial qualities of these
interiors. Making use of performances that highlight the relationships
between spaces, objects, and the body, the video vignettes comment on
the unconventional spaces in which one can hide out and fit in, while
simultaneously being present and invisible.
Beer has exhibited her sculptures and photographs widely including solo
exhibitions at the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Contemporary Art Gallery
as well as other galleries throughout Canada, Japan, and the United
States. Beer is an Associate Processor and former Head of Visual Arts
at Emily Carr Institute.
Western Front gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council
for the Arts, the BC Arts Council through the Government of British
Columbia, the City of Vancouver, and our members and volunteers. The
Western Front is a member of the Pacific Association of Artist-Run
Centres (PAARC).