Fragments – Art & the Explosive Remnants of War
The Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, NB is proud to present Fragments: Art and the Explosive Remnants of War, a solo exhibition by Canadian sculptor Blake Ward, 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. Fragments is also running in Toronto, September 15 to October 5 at the Canadian Sculpture Centre, 500 Church Street. Opening Reception: Thursday, September 15, 6:30-9:00 PM. Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Friday 12:00 – 6:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Blake Ward’s Fragments is a series of sculptures inspired by the human tragedy caused by landmines. This collection of sculptures, each named after a different landmine, depicts the continuing effects of this lethal threat in post-war countries. During Blake’s time teaching sculpture at the University of Hanoi he witnessed the suffering caused by these remnants of war and knew he had to do something. This collection, as a form of art activism, is the result.
Since 2007 Fragments has served in international campaigns to raise awareness and funds for the removal of landmines, cluster munitions and unexploded military waste. More than 250,000 USD have been raised. Proceeds from the sale of Fragments will be directed to the Canadian Landmine Foundation.
Fragments sculptures have assisted in funding the clearance of a minefield in Vietnam, mapping a minefield in Angola and providing mine risk education to mothers in Afghanistan. The Fragments collection has aided in clearing cluster munitions in Kosovo and landmines in Cambodia.
The Fragments message is that despite war and conflict, there is hope, there are always solutions, and that together, we can make a difference.
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.
Please click on each photo to enlarge on your screen.
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