Sculptor Marie Khouri's latest series, titled 'Let's Sit and Talk,' is currently on display in Vancouver's Equinox Gallery.
Khouri's tumultuous childhood (she was born in Egypt and raised in Lebanon until her father's assassination, after which she relocated to Spain, Italy, Paris and, eventually, Vancouver) has helped her inject a vast range of cultural and historical references into her work. Having studied at Paris' l'Ecole du Louvre, there are distinctly formal elements in her sculptures. However, this does not predicate a lack of emotion, for Khouri's work explores language, form and the body under the influence of Henry Moore's concept of direct carving.
Her latest project is a large-scale sculpture (and seating arrangement) that spells out 'Let's Sit and Talk' in interpretive Arabic script. The individual pieces feature carved-out nooks and crannies that comfortably nestle the human body. At the same time, the pieces resemble a recumbent body on their own, creating a "symbiotic relationship between the physical body and the symbolic figure of the sculpture."
Sculptural Seating Arrangements
'Let's Sit and Talk' is Both a Sculpture and a Seating Arrangement
Trend Themes
1. Sculptural Seating Arrangements - Opportunity for artists and designers to create functional, yet aesthetically pleasing furniture pieces.
2. Cultural and Historical References in Art - Opportunity to incorporate personal experiences and cultural heritage into artistic creations to create deeper meaning and connection with viewers.
3. Direct Carving Techniques in Sculpture - Opportunity to explore new ways of creating sculptures that prioritize emotive qualities over traditional formal elements.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - Opportunity to create unique and functional furniture designs that blur the line between art and seating arrangements.
2. Contemporary Art - Opportunity to explore cultural and historical references in art and create emotionally charged works that resonate with viewers.
3. Sculpture Creation - Opportunity to experiment with direct carving techniques to create sculptures with a more emotive quality than traditional formal techniques offer.