EXPOSURE 2021 EMERGING PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: JOEL MATTHEW WARKENTIN
Contemporary Calgary
10 February – 27 February
The Parable of the Boy and the Barren Olive Tree is an introspective journey through my upbringing, both within and without the institution of the Baptist Church. Structured as a three-act play, the series of photographs and sculptures investigates the derangement my body, mind, and spirit have endured, and how this history affects present platforms surrounding my spirituality.
This collection of photographs and sculptures explores distinctive emotional memoirs collected from a young age through adolescence within a religious institution. While created through the metamorphosis of emotional feeling to objectified structure they utilize abstract language to express specific moments in history. The autobiographical and performative photographs demonstrate these events and their residual effects, while the exhibit in its entirety is an act of transformation: from impressionable, then injured, then the final and continual act of growth.
BIOGRAPHY
Joel Matthew Warkentin is an emerging sculptor, photographer, and performance artist. His work focuses on the connection of the spirit, movement, space, and their interaction with the human experience.
Born in Calgary, he was groomed to think in three dimensions. As a young man, he was counselled in the wood-shop by his father, and grandfathers.
His drive and ambition, from an early age, have grown with him into his adulthood and career. He acquired a Bachelors of Fine Arts, with distinction, from the Alberta University of the Arts, formerly Alberta College of Art and Design and a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. His artwork has traveled across Canada and internationally, into galleries and exhibitions. It has transcended into various mediums, and he is currently exploring the spirituality of his work in still life. As his practice grows he is not afraid to take risks and explore his creativity beyond sculpture; his appetite for knowledge and trade has fed into the development of his practice, and his study into a universal spiritual experience.
2021 Emerging photographer of the yeaR
Each year one artist who has exhibited in the Exposure Emerging Photographers Showcase is selected by the juror to win the Emerging Photographer of the Year Award. The recipient of this prestigious award is given the opportunity to present a solo show at the following year’s Exposure Photography Festival. The award provides the emerging artist with a platform to show their work while furthering their professional practice and building their career within photography. Exposure mentors and supports the artist in developing their vision in the best possible way. Our 2021 juror, Ryan Doherty, Chief Curator of Contemporary Calgary, selected Joel Matthew Warkentin as the 2021 Emerging Photographer of the Year.
Access: Location is wheelchair accessible
HOURS
Monday - Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 12pm - 7pm
Friday: 12pm - 7pm
Saturday: 12pm - 7pm
Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
ADMISSION
The Exposure exhibitions are free entry.
RESTRICTIONS EXEMPTION PROGRAM
In the interest of protecting staff, visitors and the community at large, Contemporary Calgary has implemented the Restrictions Exemption Program for all staff, visitors, and guests. Effective November 15, 2021, all visitors ages 12 and older must provide a scannable QR code as proof of vaccination. Documentation of a medical exemption, or a negative PCR or rapid test within the last 72 hours are also accepted to enter the gallery. Masks are mandatory and will be available at our welcome desk, social distancing and a vigorous cleaning schedule will be maintained.
Contemporary Calgary, 701 11 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2C4