If you’ve ever seen any of the amazing art exhibits here at the University of Alberta’s FAB Gallery, you may have seen Blair Brennan somewhere about. As the Galleries & Exhibitions Manager, Blair helps showcase some of the best artwork in Canada (like the winners of the Alcuin Awards for Excellence in Book Design, on display right now), from student artists, faculty, and internationally acclaimed guest artists.
A sculptor himself, Blair recently shared one of his original pieces with the Art Gallery of Alberta: a sculpture called Typing Table that combined various elements including a metal desk, a propane torch and bottle, steel and various tools into one compelling piece of art.
Typing Table caught the attention of Timothy Caulfield, a Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, who shared this public message with the AGA about Blair and his work:
“Blair Brennan’s work exemplifies how art can create compelling contradictions. Brennan’s art touches on serious topics, but it is also immediately fun and devoid of pretence. It is comical and spontaneous, while still giving the impression that it has been carefully crafted. The work provides a fresh take on contemporary issues, but, at the same time, it somehow stirs old memories. I love how Brennan riffs on pop culture because, well, I love all things pop culture! His wonderful sculpture, Typing Table, is a great example of how Brennan tricks us with the familiar. What the heck is going on here? Is it a giant, science-fiction-y typewriter or a medieval torture device? I have no idea, but I want to see more!”
Come visit FAB Gallery now (admission is free!) and Blair will gladly show you the two exhibits in there right now: Feeling the Flesh of the Other (MFA candidate Angela Marino’s deeply personal paintings depicting her mother’s struggle with Multiple Sclerosis), and the winners of the Alcuin Awards for Excellence in Book Design, celebrating the best in book design across Canada.
To see more of Blair’s own original artwork, visit his official website at: www.blairbrennan.com
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