A new exhibit at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum is not only a reflection of the artist鈥檚 love for music, but shows the artistic diversity in record album covers.
Kevin Ei-chi deForest鈥檚 exhibit, The Record Shop, is in Gallery No. 2 from Jan. 26 to March 30. It features numerous album covers on the walls, many of which were created by Ei-chi deForest.
Many more album covers are located in several crates in the gallery. Ei-chi deForest has altered many of those album covers to some degree. People are encouraged to flip through the album covers in the crates and admire the work.聽
Nearly 300 album jackets are part of the exhibit.
EAGM director Amber Andersen said the work is connected with the representation of hybrid identity, with a focus on his cultural heritage as a resident mid-west suburban Canada who is of Japanese and European descent.
鈥淚t is still relevant to address the context of race and difference in contemporary art,鈥� Ei-chi deForst said in an artist statement for the exhibit. 鈥淭he challenge of working in a post-identity politics age is to reformulate and question those very categories through my artwork and practice.鈥�
By altering the album covers to various degrees, deForest makes them reflective of an identity that is never stagnant and always changing. The album covers are made more relevant and engaging, recycled into a new life in his hands.
鈥淢any of the labels, terms and politics of deForest are poignantly displayed across the jackets, little Kevins carefully inserted into the album art,鈥� the exhibit synopsis states. 鈥淰isitors are advised to look over each album with care, the changes at times are radical or at times subtle.鈥�
Each album jacket is a thread of Ei-chi deForest鈥檚 background, and each carefully altered jacket is a deliberate stroke.
The Record Shop has changed and grown over the years, with collectors acquiring some of the album jackets, but the exhibit is always growing.
鈥淭he records are personal reflections of deForest鈥檚 interests and ambitions.鈥�
Ei-chi deForest, who works as an associate professor at Brandon University in the fine arts and visual arts department, was unable to attend the exhibit due to illness. It is hoped he can attend a reception before the exhibit closes.
