Fragments: Art and the Explosive Remnants of War Sculpture by Blake Ward in Toronto

Sculptor Blake Ward Brings His Heart-Rending Exhibition to Toronto. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) July 01, 2016 - The Sculptors Society of Canada is pleased to present Fragments: Art and the Explosive Remnants of War, a solo exhibition by Canadian sculptor Blake Ward, Thursday, September 15 to Wednesday, October 5 at the Canadian Sculpture Centre, 500 Church Street, Toronto ON M4Y 2C8. Opening reception Thursday, September 15, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 647 435 5858 or contact gallery ( @ ) cansculpt dot org dot

Fragments is a series of de-constructed 1/4 life-size bronze sculptures focused on a devastating legacy of our generation, the civilian casualties of landmines. We have contaminated vast tracts of our world with unexploded remnants of war. Even though wars in afflicted countries may have ended, countless people around the world still live with the daily threat of these invisible enemies.

The Fragments series was created to raise public awareness in order to help fund recognized charitable organizations that address the problems posed by these explosive remnants of war. Since the beginning of the international Fragments sculpture tour in London's Canterbury Cathedral in 2007 to Delhi, India in 2012, the sculptures have become symbols of hope for activists working to remove landmines. These exhibitions have raised more than 250,000 USD for landmine education, removal and support in Vietnam and Kosovo, and for mine risk education in Afghanistan. Contributions from Canadian sales will be directed to the Canadian Landmine Foundation.

Subverting the tradition of figurative sculpture by creating a contemporary interpretation embodying both beauty and destruction, Fragments offers a haunting visual paradox, the fragile character of beauty. The sculptures are named after landmines and their bronze faces are as anonymous as the civilian casualties of war.

While breaking away from the classical rules of figurative sculpture, 60-year-old Ward remains true to its representational qualities, yet crosses over into the abstract. Ward's figures reflect the hidden perspectives of the human condition. Holding fast to his love of the human figure, Ward invites us towards self-discovery introducing new ways to comment on the trinity of human complexity: mind, body, and spirit
This educational show explains the situation concerning mines and unexploded ordnances in our world today, including Canada's role as a leader in efforts to contain the problem. Fragments is also running at The Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza, Saint John, NB, E2L 3G6 Friday, September 9 to Saturday, October 22. Opening Reception: Friday, September 9 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Call 506 633-4870 or contact a.kierstead ( @ ) saintjohnartscentre dot com

Blake Ward received his Fine Arts Degree from the University of Alberta in 1979 and went on to study classical figurative sculpture in Paris until 1989, when he moved to his current studio in Monte Carlo. When he was invited to teach at the University of Hanoi in 2003, Ward witnessed the incredible number of people who had been affected by landmines. His work evolved into a bold socio-political voice calling out to humanitarian dreams of justice, truth, and equality. He has since been a positive force raising funds and awareness for the eradication of landmines.

Blake Ward has exhibited in Monaco, England, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, Delhi, The United States and Canada and is represented by Hilton-Asmus Contemporary, Chicago, Petley Jones Gallery, Vancouver, The Front Gallery, Edmonton, The Rouge Gallery, Saskatoon, The Collector's Gallery of Art, Calgary, Galerie Saint-Dizier, Montreal.

www.blakesculpture.com
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For information contact James Monaco 1 705 471-1299, james.monaco ( @ ) fibreop dot ca or
The Canadian Sculpture Centre at 647 435 5858 or contact gallery ( @ ) cansculpt dot org

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