Richmond BC, Canada #richmondartgallerybc
Keith Langergraber’s art work grows from an interest in evidence of social, cultural and political change found through scrutiny of a selected site. His research allows an understanding of the shifts that have taken place at that location over time. The exhibition then consists of an accumulation, and reconstitution of material found through a peeling back of layers of the vernacular landscape. Using surfing as a vehicle, Impact Zone explores the effects of tourism on the indigenous people in the Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island. There has been a noticeable change in the traditional lifestyles of the Nuu chah nulth tribes in this area, as the jobs secured from fishing and logging are gradually being replaced with jobs based on the tourism industry. Focusing on Long Beach, the installation consists of a sculpture of stacked items and monitors playing footage of waves breaking beside the Lovekin Rock formation at Long Beach. There are also drawings mapping the beach breaks and drawings of Lovekin Rock, a sacred site for the First Nations people.
Keith Langergraber grew up in Kelowna, B.C. and received his B.F.A. from the University of Victoria and an M.F.A. from the University of British Columbia. He has been exhibiting his installation work since 1995 and has made several presentations related to his artwork and research. He currently teaches at the Emily Carr Institute of Design.
