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Nobuo Kubota: The Exploration of Possibility March 13 to May 2, 1999 Introduction The Kelowna Art Gallery is pleased to present The Exploration of Possibility: Recent Work by Nobuo Kubota. This exhibition, organized by the Kelowna Art Gallery, invites and important, internationally respected artist to revisit the environment of his youth. An environment that appears to have had a lasting influence on the imagery included in his work. In asking Nobuo Kubota to extend his visit to the Okanagan - by undertaking a two-week residency in Kelowna - we are providing the public with an opportunity to explore and discuss with the artist the evolution of his life and work. We are also encouraging the public to investigate the use of installation as a method of artistic communication. While his two-dimensional prints communicate visually, the installations appeal to the viewer's spatial, audio and visual responses, and therefore communicate through the integration of a number of stimuli. Nobuo's sound performances round out this opportunity for the residents of interior British Columbia to experience and examine the range of ways contemporary artists have chosen to communicate. His sound work has brought Nobuo an international reputation and he frequently tours Europe performing at sound festivals where poets and other sound artists are featured. A former teacher at the Ontario College of Art and Design, Nobuo was instrumental in introducing sound and performance as an important adjunct to regular college courses. We therefore encouraged faculty at Okanagan University College to take advantage of this expertise and incorporate Nobuo into their classes during his residency. Visual arts students will have an opportunity to collaborate in the product of a performance for presentation at the conclusion of his residency. This is the first published catalogue about the exceptional contribution that Nobuo Kubota has made to the Canadian art scene. It is my pleasure to thank Dr. Terrence Heath, Michael Snow and Paul Dutton for the insightful and perceptive texts they contributed to the catalogue and also Nobuo Kubota dn Bob Wilcox for their collaboration on the catalogue design. Exhibition Co-ordinator, Allison Sivak assisted by Shauna Oddleifson, has performed a miracle in bringing this exhibition and catalogue from conception to presentation in less than four months. Special thanks must be extended to Al Mattes for his valuable volunteer assistance throughout the preparation of the catalogue and installation of the exhibition. Technician, Joel de Pfyffer and his team of Kevin Dunn and Renee Burgess have been vital to both the installation of the work and the ongoing maintenance of finicky technical equipment. Art Educator Dona Moore and the volunteer gallery docents for working with Nobuo to ensure the understanding and enjoyment of the exhibition by the students from School District #23. I particularly thank Nobuo Kubota for the opportunity to work with him in the presentation of his work, his performances and the production of this publication. In his quiet way, Nobuo Kubota has traversed boundaries, sought and examined experiences, integrated disciplines and creatively explored both the larger and the inner world. A loyal friend to many, he has always been generous with time and ideas. As a teacher in life and academic institutions, he has been thoughtful and supportive. The Kelowna Art Gallery welcomes Nobuo back to the Okanagan. We are pleased that his return includes a residency that offers students and gallery visitors an opportunity for direct contact with this exceptional artist. |
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Copyright © 1999 - 2007 KELOWNA ART GALLERY
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