Last Resort

In an ongoing quest to be near bodies of water, these images were gathered over the last three years. Locations of shoots varied between a set of neglected Alberta lakes and sulfurous streams of roadside debris. Shot through water, the subjects are the life forms found beneath the surface. These hardy survivors exist where the land and water meet, where the remnants of human interaction and water intersect. The life forms are prevailing, often amongst garbage, runoff, and the excrement of tourism. The allure of these waterscapes was the magnitude of change and uncertainty. Each visit had an altered shoreline, sometimes dried up, sometimes full again and occasionally with a new shade of algae. Impermanence was the norm, dismantling the illusion of abundance and the narrative of lasting security.

Leanne Olson is a photographer living in Edmonton. She completed a BA in Film Studies at the University of Alberta and has maintained a photography practice since 110 film was around. Olson also has a community arts role, in her position as a lead artist at the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts and through multiple community art projects with artists at the Bissell Centre in Edmonton. For the last few years Olson has been exhibiting work with a water life theme. Her practice has centered on documenting impermanence and adaption to changing environmental conditions. Accompanying her on most shoots are her two canine companions named Harriet and Ruby.

Opening Reception: Friday, August 11, 7-9 pm.