Interview With Brandt Eisner: This Seems Personal

Gallery Blog

Tell us more about the title of your show, This Seems Personal.

This Seems Personal relates not just to the participating artists, and their stories, but to everyone. Whether we realize it or not, we are all impacted by the experiences of the individuals or groups outside of our own history. Our experiences aren’t exactly the same, but if we open ourselves up we can see the humanity in everyone. Even if it makes us uncomfortable or “hits a nerve”, listening and empathy can help us understand why society operates the way it does.

Tell us more about the concept for This Seems Personal.

As an artist whose practice is based on constructed social norms, I’ve curated a number of group shows which have showcased work that comes from a personal longing to understand the world. My goal for This Seems Personal was to bring together artists of various disciplines, whose work is not only biographical in nature, but socially relatable. Each artist’s work is very personal, but gives the viewer space to bring their own history or interpretation to their experience at the gallery.

In times of social division, we often forget that we have far more in common than we would like to believe. It is in the recognition of our humanity that doors of understanding and communication can open. Art has the power to be dissident while also providing a safe space for conversation and education. The artwork in This Seems Personal challenges the viewer to question their predetermined notions, without using a disciplinary tone. It is my hope that the viewer can feel the journey of the artist, even if not necessarily understanding the complexities of their experience.

The artists involved in the show are working across an impressive range of mediums. How did you go about inviting artists and curating the show?

After settling on the concept for the show, I immediately had certain artists in mind. Having worked in the past with most of the artists featured, I knew not only their work but who they are as people and as storytellers. It has always been very important to me to include a wide range of mediums in group shows. Like diversity in artists, I believe that diversity in the medium adds to the narrative and offers something of interest to the viewer. Each person who visits a gallery comes with a personal history related to mediums. What I want to do is show how a medium, such as clay, can be used to communicate new ideas while using traditional technical skills.

This Seems Personal has received great acclaim and lots of positive feedback. How did it feel to attend the official opening earlier this month?

It’s always exciting and fulfilling to create a show that resonates with people. I had no idea what to expect for a winter opening, and in a Provincial gallery. I was shocked, thrilled and a little overwhelmed by the turn out.

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Brandt Eisner is a conceptual multimedia artist, based in Truro Nova Scotia. His work focuses on socially based themes which investigate constructed social norms, and searches to challenge why we are the way we are. Eisner has owned two galleries and worked as assistant director, or curator, for three others. He received his BFA (Interdisciplinary) from NSCAD University In 2005.

Photo credit: Brandt Eisner

This Seems Personal is supported by RBC Foundation.

Learn more about the exhibition