Solarium by Jackie McLaughlin at the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art

Now on view in the Members’ Gallery of the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is ‘Solarium’ by Okanagan-based artist Jackie McLaughlin. Jackie McLaughlin is an artist based in the unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people. She works primarily with florals and natural materials at this time, sourcing most of her materials from the local landscape through sustainable foraging or from her private garden. McLaughlin’s work is an ongoing exploratory practice into the diversity of florals, organics, and at times fruits and vegetables, and their artistic potential. When working with florals, she plays with various design elements, weight distribution and colour theory to create a piece that is both well-balanced and experimental; carefully curated yet playful. The inherently impermanent nature of the materials plays an important role in McLaughlin’s work. Each piece is meant to be viewed within a short window of time, making them more of an experience, and an opportunity to appreciate the materials and their relationship to the at times “unnatural” space where they are being viewed. McLaughlin’s exhibition, ‘Solarium’, includes ‘Chandelier’ and ‘Self-Portrait’; both of which utilize natural materials that have been studied and found purpose through experimentation and association. ‘Solarium’ will be on view in the Members’ Gallery until May 28, 2022. The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is open Tuesday to Friday, 11am – 6pm, and Saturday 11am – 4pm. To learn more about this exhibition visit http://www.alternatorcentre.com.