Annie Dunning (2015-2016)
Annie Dunning maintains a multidisciplinary practice, based in sculpture and installation. Her work also includes mail art, collaboration, book works, video and sound work. She holds a BFA from Mount Allison University, NB and an MFA from the University of Guelph, ON. With support from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council she has produced and shown work across Canada and abroad. Upcoming exhibitions include solo shows at Gallery 101 in Ottawa, ON and ODD Gallery in Dawson City, YK in 2015.
In her work she is examines intersecting elements of culture and the natural world. It is the grey areas between the human world and the behaviours of other species that she finds to be fascinating spaces for speculation. Through sculpture and installation she creates a shifted perspective of the interactions and interconnections of humans and the natural world to confuse conventional hierarchy.
Music Box 2014, Annie Dunning
Artist Event
Sapsucker Sounds
http://www.g101.ca/exhibits/sapsucker-sounds [2]
Annie Dunning
March 13th-April 10th, 2015
Opening: Friday, March 13, 7pm at G101
Our opening program will include presentations by Story Teller: Lesley Parlane and Poet: Vera Wabegijig. The readings will be followed by a sound performance featuring Melody McKiver who will be interacting with Annie Dunnings’ Sapsucker sound machines. After the performances, we will participate in a round table discussion with the artist, performers and Remco Volmer, Program Manager at Artengine.
Sapsucker Sounds is an installation of objects and interactive sound sculptures that offer an opportunity to experience sound generated by a conflation of human and woodpecker culture. The work began with a found log, filled with holes made by a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker. Each sculpture is a different attempt to interpret the marks the bird has “recorded”. Sapsuckers, like other woodpeckers, use their hammering to delineate their territorial range as well as find food. In addition to using hollow trees, they have been known to hammer on metal chimney flashing and road signs, taking advantage of the amplification these introduced items offer. This development in woodpecker culture that can expand an individual bird’s territory highlights the potential for inter-species cultural influence that must apply to human culture as well.
Annie Dunning wishes to gratefully acknowledge the support of the Ontario Arts Councils' Chalmers Professional Development Grant Program.