Laurence Finet • DECONSTRUCTION – EXPLOSION – RECONSTRUCTION

Join us for Laurence Finet’s exhibition Deconstruction – Explosion – Reconstruction in the Lee Matasi gallery on November 21st at 6pm. Laurence is a recent Graduate from the Diploma Program. The exhibition runs from November 21 – December 5.

L a u r e n c e   F i n e t

D E C O N S T R U C T I O N   –   E X P L O S I O N   –   R E C O N S T R U C T I O N

My current series originate from a will to develop my stories and to further build meaning in my work. Through several media, I explore the idea of “Cyborgization”. More and more, we become disconnected to nature, and more dependent on technology. Technology is turning into a part of us; we are becoming technology as it is changing our minds and bodies.

These series focus on the sensuality of cyborgs and question the nature of their reproduction. Will cyborg beings experience emotions originating from sexuality, like we, human beings, do? Will they eventually be able to create art? Will they feel the need to develop a concept? Will they have desires? Without a human being the background directing them? Presently, robots are still incapable of gaining a consciousness, but for how long? The opposition between reality, authenticity, and emotions versus illusion, cyborgization and artificiality is what has been fueling these works.

The monotype series “Deconstruction – Explosion – Reconstruction” takes its origin in the Cyborgization theme and brings it in another direction. Under mentorship with Rob Hinchley, I explored various monotype techniques and materials with the aim of creating transparencies through layers. In these works, I deconstruct the cyborg images into their elementary shapes and I use these shapes as independent printing plates. Images are created by successive layers of monotypes passed numerous times under the press. Negative spaces are freed and exploded cells flee in all directions, which could eventually lead to a reconstruction of their original form. A cycle is created where chaos appears, out of time, without beginning nor end, just like a moment of eternity. The explosion creates a whole new universe. To deconstruct to better rebuild.

According to Jacques Derrida, to deconstruct is to excavate the implicit, the unnoticed and to question assumptions and to open up new perspectives.

Will cyborg beings question their own existence and have the capacity to reinvent themselves? Will they be able to experience this cycle specific to humans and to the process of creativity?

« It was the end of a world and as always, the beginning of another one.”

Fernand Dumont, « La région du cœur »

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Diploma students at the Ottawa School of Art are independent, strong-willed and determined. Their determination has led them to establish a non-profit, student-run gallery. This charming space is located at the front of the building to the right of the main entrance. The gallery gives third-year Diploma students an opportunity to exhibit their work in an attractive, public and high traffic space. OSA students go beyond the call by contributing to Ottawa’s artistic community through creating, promoting and exhibiting their works in the Lee Matasi Gallery.