Squall
Joan Scaglione – 2019
The Squall takes the form of a massive river squall approximately 35′ long by 15′ wide by 12′ high, organically sampling the magnitude of a river and simultaneously responding to the architectural structure of the gallery.
The artist constructed the river from paper, plaster and ink to express the constant fluidity of chaotic flow patterns, within which is embedded sound elements that give it voice. The river holds massive handmade rocks, tree branches, herds of horses, and children’s presence through toys and clothing, revealing human traces.
The work acts as a metaphor for what is happening in nature across the planet – a wake-up call. Rivers are profound spiritual forces, as the artist considers. Though part of nature, the river has power to destroy nature, the environment, animal and human communities. Climate change is upon earth and Canada is seen as one of most vulnerable nations to be affected because of the melting Arctic.
About the Artist
Joan Scaglione—
Joan Scaglione currently lives in Kingston, Ontario where she primarily works in sculpture installation and teaches visual art. In 1999, Scaglione moved to Regina, Saskatchewan from Toronto where she received her MFA from the University of Regina. The Regina prairies carved a profound imprint on her creative process. Western Canada offered unique opportunities for creative experiences. For example, Scaglione was one of many artists who creatively responded to the abandoned wing of the Weyburn Asylum in Saskatchewan, an institution famous for LSD experiments on site in the 1950’s. Solo exhibitions in Regina include the Dunlop Gallery (2009) and the Mackenzie Art Gallery (2010), and the University of Winnipeg (2009). In 2008, Scaglione was artist in residence in Dawson City, the Yukon.
A move to Kingston in 2010 generated fresh possibilities in Scaglione’s practice. New work around energetic patterns of flow (2010-2015) has evolved with several exhibitions at Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre, and an exhibition at the Agnes Etherington Gallery as part of a larger exhibition titled “DIG”. Over the years, Scaglione has received numerous Ontario Arts Council grants, Saskatchewan Arts Council grants, and in 2015 a Canada Council grant to support her work based on an exploration of patterns, chaos and regeneration.