Collect Art Fair

Sumerset House, London, UK

Feb. 28 - March 2, 2025

(previews 26 & 27 February)

Represented by:

Abrasion

 Rooted in contemporary art, Darren Emenau’s new body of work draws its inspiration from the rugged beauty of New Brunswick’s Acadian coastline along the Bay of Fundy, specifically the geological mechanical breakdown of the landscape shaped by water, wind, and the passage of time.  

The surfaces of the works are marked by cracks, crevasses, voids, and bored-out holes; referred to as kolks, which emphasize the vulnerability of the material. Through the observation of natural forces, new forms and textures emerge, revealing the slow and deliberate physical change of the landscape. Textures and colours suggest the complex interplay between erosion and the elements. The resulting forms are presented as an abstraction of these natural occurrences, creating landscapes that challenge our conventional perceptions of nature and space.   

The work presented here draws a parallel between the natural world’s ongoing cycles of erosion and the human condition, where age, time, and life experiences leave visible marks. The colours portray an emotional landscape that may harmonize with or be in juxtaposition of the forms.

Curatorial Statement – by Bruno Vinhas, Curator

HERE + NOW EXHIBITION 2025

“Water’s nature lies in its ability to flow continuously. An essential part of human life, bodies of water have been the focus of numerous scientific research, essays and artworks. For the Canadian Atlantic Provinces, this element is present in the daily life of its artists, individuals and communities, indigenous and settlers alike. Craft processes often utilize it in one or many steps or even without knowledge, water is present in the raw materials manipulated by craft artists every day.

A compelling artwork about water captures its multifaceted nature, its fluidity and transformative power. It explores water’s connections with the cultural, geographical andspiritual properties, its life-giving or life-taking abilities, its abilityto erode and rejuvenate, its capacity to symbolize purity and mayhem at the same time. The language of craft and craft artists is precise and evocative.

Just like this natural element, artists convey the tangible qualities of movement, sound, colours and texture by altering the raw materials they are in contact with. Through skillful choice and imagery, the artwork produced of this transformation evokes the emotional resonance that water evokes, from tranquility to awe, from beauty to chaos. Moreover, these artworks consider the interrelationship between water and human existence, revealing the interconnectedness of all living things.

Drawing parallels between water physical properties and human emotions, experiences, or ideas we aim to create a cohesive exhibition that discusses how the Atlantic Canadian Provinces’ craft community is connected; how “water ” connects both the culture and the landscape of the region. Put your best work forward and let us know how it is connected with water “Here + Now”.