Brent Wadden, Shoupie

December 13 - January 6, 2013
Opens: Thursday, December 13th, 7-10pm

“The rise of technology has necessitated a return to ritual. Computers and word processors operate only in the world of numbers and rationality. The human experience is basically irrational”
- K. Haring, Flash Art, 3 / 1984.

ESP is pleased to present the first solo exhibition in Toronto by Brent Wadden, Shoupie. Wadden is interested in creating a direct dialogue between weaving and various modes of modernist art making; referencing both the historical and social constructs of craft and modernism. Consistent throughout his work is a commitment to the grid. This rigid geometric system is continually broken throughout his working process to allow natural flaws, new patterns to emerge, and invite interaction between the weavings, paintings and viewers.

Brent Wadden (b. 1979, Nova Scotia) has been living between Berlin and Canada for the past 8 years. He graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (BFA) in 2003. He has exhibited most recently in Paris, France (FIAC), Turin, Italy (ARTISSIMA), Miami (NADA) and Berlin (Peres Projects). He was featured in the latest issue of Dapper Dan magazine. In 2013 he will be taking part in Art Los Angeles Contemporary and forthcoming solo exhibition at Peres Projects, Berlin.