A sinister summer exhibition at the Esker Foundation

Featuring over 35 works by Janet Werner and new work by both Dagmara Genda and Jillian McDonald, these exhibitions encompass Werner’s playful and provocative portraiture, a series of immersive wilderness drawings by Genda, and Valley of the Deer, McDonald’s haunting new film, set in northern Scotland.

“What might appear to be light summer exhibitions actually contain some sinister undertones and dark narratives that underpin the works,” says Naomi Potter, Esker Foundation’s Director/Curator. This trio of exhibitions, by three female artists, includes Another Perfect Day, curated by Kent Archer, which showcases Janet Werner’s unconventional portraiture. This collection of work considers alternate views of female imagery and the hyper-domestication of animals.

Dagmara Genda’s exhibition, Scenic Route, addresses clichés of the Canadian landscape and literally consumes viewers within new versions of natural spaces. Genda’s series of animal portraits, Corrupted Animals, explores the complex, hybrid relationships between humans, animals, and technology.

Jillian McDonald’s new film, Valley of the Deer, features residents of Scotland, the majority of whom are craftspeople at the Glenfiddich Distillery. The work was made in response to the Scottish landscape and pagan legends – both real and imagined – and hints at our deep, and at times uncanny, connection to animals and nature.

In addition to regular free admission to Esker Foundation, free public programming during the summer exhibition will include artist and curator talks, as well as hands on drawing and mask making workshops. Interested participants can visit www.eskerfoundation.com for more information and registration.