Demulsify, 2014-2016

According to Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids, a non-profit organization, nearly 30,000 children and youth in Calgary face hunger daily while in school, with some missing breakfast as well. This alarming statistic serves as a critical backdrop for the installation titled "Demulsify.”

At the heart of "Demulsify," two white Smithbilt cowboy hats are suspended from the ceiling. These hats, icons of Calgary's corporate identity since 1946 and typically bestowed upon distinguished visitors, are reimagined here to convey a poignant narrative. One hat overflows with 131 folded brown paper lunch bags, emblematic of the meals Calgary's school children bring from home, while the other is filled with business ties.

Beneath these hats, two sets of five forms merge to depict islands, interpreting the visual appearance of islands as fingers. The fingers of these two hands hint at natural island formations, lakes, or coastal edges, pinpointing geographical features that signify the presence of coveted natural resources. These resources are sought after by oil and other natural resource development corporations, adding layers of complexity to the themes of disparity and corporate influence.

The installation includes a portrayal of two hands engaged in a game of elastic string, reminiscent of a child's play. These hands are detailed with contrasting textures: one is adorned with practical materials akin to beaten brown bags, while the other is embellished with LEGO, heavy-duty vehicle toys, and symbols of adult business activities. This juxtaposition urges viewers to contemplate the varying experiences of children growing up in Canada compared to those in other parts of the world, while also critiquing the impacts of neoliberalism in today's society. Through these elements, "Demulsify" invites a deeper reflection on the intersecting themes of childhood, resource allocation, and corporate influence.