New Exhibition Explores Relationship between the Digital World and Reality

– Artist in Residence Casey Koyczan presents exhibition and ArtTalk –

(Charlottetown, P.E.I.) A new media installation recently developed by Tlicho-Dene artist Casey Koyczan opens at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG) on October 13.

nayiìhtła ; light is Koyczan’s first exhibition on P.E.I., and he will undertake a week-long residency at CCAG. Originally from Yellowknife, YT and now based in Winnipeg, MB, he recently received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Manitoba. His approach is rooted in new media, with his work combining traditional art practices with digital realities.

“This is how we are all experiencing the world now, so it is refreshing to see work that starts from the premise that the digital and the ‘real’ are always overlapping one another,” says gallery curator Pan Wendt.

In this exhibition, the artist combines two looped digital multimedia pieces with the unique characteristics of the physical space of the gallery. In the artist’s words, it “explores the relationship between the digital world and our perceptions of reality by imaginatively reshaping architectural spaces”.

Dual-channel projections accompanied by audio soundscapes work together in a changing progression that evokes organic objects, natural elements, and organisms in the real world.

“I couldn’t say no to this opportunity when Pan reached out to me, I automatically said yes,” says Koyczan. “It has been great to be presented with the challenge of coming up with a new exhibition. I don’t like to show work over and over again, so I always push myself to make something new.”

nayiìhtła ; light will be on display from October 13, 2021 – January 16, 2022, and is supported by the RBC Emerging Artists Program.

An ArtTalk with Casey Koyczan will take place on Thursday, October 14 at 7pm. There is no cost to attend the event, but patrons must register in advance and seats are limited. To register; send your name, phone number, and the number of individuals in your party to Sodam Jeong at [email protected]

COVID Guidelines: Masks are required at all times in the gallery. To attend the ArtTalk, patrons must show one of the following upon arrival:

• Proof of vaccination along with a valid government-issued ID
• Written exemption from the Chief Public Health Office confirming inability to be vaccinated

Photo cutline: Casey Koyczan (Shayna Johnson photo)