Take everything a little … slowly
Boredom and contemplation are casualties of the modern world
Stacey Abramson

I would never have thought considering the concept of boredom could be so… engaging.

Casualty, curated by Sigrid Dahle at Gallery 1C03 at the University of Winnipeg, is proof that thoughtful contemplation of boredom can be fascinating and relaxing.

To be specific, this exhibit is centred on the concepts of the ‘Slow Movement,’ which essentially extols the virtues of literally slowing down and enjoying life.

Accordingly, these works are conceptual, offering more to viewers the more time they spend in the gallery.

Dahle’s letter to the gallery viewer sets the tone. This beautifully written manifesto calls for a cultural revolution of boredom — a time to appreciate and not exploit creativity. If one cannot devote a true amount of time to something, how can one truly understand it?

She also reminds that not everything in life has to be newer, better, faster at all times. She very appropriately suggests that creativity can never be at its full potential unless we allow ourselves the time to think and reflect upon our lives.

Lorna Brown’s wallpaper work, The Structure of Boredom, fills the back wall of the gallery. A repetitious cycle outlining what boredom is composed of, the piece develops a pattern due to Brown’s manipulation of the structure. This has a dizzying effect on viewers, perhaps because she’s pinpointing the basis of a non-emotion.

Bernie Miller’s work focuses on the milestones of consumer culture. Sitting in the centre of the space, an IKEA cabinet reclines on a similarly themed red couch. On the wall is a diagram and map of the imagined location for the piece — in the parking lot of a monumental shopping mall. The work looks bizarre but becomes rich with meaning once time is taken to reflect on the ridiculous scene and how it relates to the coveted-commodity mentality of consumerism.

Works that take us outside ourselves once we leave the gallery are the most successful of all. After leaving casualty, my mind wandered over the concepts the two artists and curator had clearly set out. The show allows reflection on the impact that commodity, repetition and time have on our lives. Its meditative message is much needed in the fast-paced lives we all lead.