Out of the Ordinary

Artist Statement:

Originating from diverse locales across Canada and the U.S., Dave Kemp’s colour photographs investigate the validity of North American ideals such as; family values, safe happy suburban environments, conformity, religion, consumerism and the pursuit of wealth (a.k.a the American Dream).

From a beach comprised of construction debris, a suburban housing development sandwiched between a landfill site and an airport, a constructed ‘natural’ environment contained within a decadent hotel, to dogmatic religious text on a lumberyard, the images focus on how such ideals are presented and represented in society. Taking an ironic and humorous approach, Dave Kemp’s images of unusual signage and enigmatic locations reveal situations where something isn’t quite right and the failures and hypocrisies of these ideals become apparent.

Description:

This is my first solo show and is part of Contact 2001, the Toronto festival of photography. The reception is held in conjunction with the TPW Gallery opening (which is just down the hall from the Ryerson Gallery) for Eternal Commentary – Writers respond to Photography. My housemate Adam Rutherford (a cook at Splendido restaurant) is making food, James Maarhuis is putting together some music and there will be lots of cheap (and possible free) wine and beer. So come on out, it should prove to be a fun event.

Note: these images (included on the website) are photographs of the pages of the printed book version of the exhibition.