Residual States by Ingrid Mayrhofer

Two series of collagraphs address climate change and extinction, survival and renewal of the earth. The imagery dwells on matters of the land, flora and fauna. It hints at human intervention through objects left behind from the built environment, including a dwelling from Hamilton’s industrial sector.

Each series works with states printed from the same background plate, movable parts and ghost images to form different narratives. Disasters explores the elements at their most detrimental potential to humans. Endangered includes images of threatened species, some of which are still present in the natural areas surrounding our cities.

Artist BIO

In addition to her double major in printmaking and photography, Ingrid Mayrhofer (BFA, MA, York University) works with installation, intervention, video and clay. Recent presentations include Orillia Museum (solo), group exhibitions at Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, Art Gallery of Windsor, and upcoming exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Hamilton (February 2022) and the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery (September 2022).

Endangered, 2019, collagraphic series of seven prints, 11” x 15” each

The Storm, 2019, collagraph, image 11” x 9 ½”, paper 15” x 20”

The Flood, 2019, collagraph, image 9 ½” x 11”, paper 15” x 20”

Eruptions

Eruptions by Dámarys Sepúlveda

My current body of prints is a representation of active and dormant volcanoes from different regions. I use the paradox of volcanoes’ eruptions as both life-giving and destructive, to evoke reflections on migration, natural disasters and human resilience against climate change, political upheavals, and relocation.

Sudden volcanic or political eruptions create chaos and displacement, but also may bring change and new life. On Ometepe island (Nicaragua), there is a saying that “Volcanic ashes bring good crops.” My works explore how natural and manufactured disasters contribute to our ever-changing societal landscape and build human resilience.

Artist BIO

A graduate of the Nicaraguan Fine Arts Academy with a Visual Art Diploma, Dámarys Sepúlveda attended a guest artist residency at York University’s Print Studio (Toronto, ON) with Professor Eugenio Tellez in 1988/89. Her paintings and prints have been exhibited in Nicaragua, Barcelona, Mexico, Vancouver, Toronto, and Hamilton, Ontario.

In 1984, she received a two-year scholarship to participate in a hands-on learning experience, teaching visual art to children at L’arc Children’s Art School, Barcelona. Dámarys is a strong advocate of Art for Social Change, and an active member in several art organizations in British Columbia.