The AFA Work of the Week for May 21 – 28, 2018 is Fallen Angel by Garry Williams (1956-2005).
By Garry Williams, 1998, Porcelain, Steel
This artwork will be featured in the exhibition Re-Imaging Normal at the Visual Arts Alberta Gallery in Edmonton, May 24 – July 21, 2018. A panel event (6:00 – 7:30 pm) followed by the opening reception (7:30 – 9:00) will be hosted on May 23, 2018.
Alberta Views magazine included this piece in the article, “Turning Earth into Art” by Les Graff, in their summer 1999 issue:
The complex sculptural works of Garry Williams have their beginnings in storytelling. “Fallen Angel” was inspired by a mythic tale of war strategy. Through this sculpture Williams parodies 18th c. porcelain tabletop figurines and at the same time satirizes contemporary male roles. Here is the corporate warrior contemplating strategies in brogues and socks.
With its focus on cultural and social concerns, the allegorical aspect of his work dictates details, scale and form, with colour playing a secondary role. Moving from sculptural pieces to installations has increased his range of materials and the comlesity of the relationships among different pieces. His use of myth, complex techniques and the sheer scale of his work, make it fantastical. Clay is his chosen medium but social concern directs his purpose.
Garry Williams is represented in the AFA collection by eleven sculptural ceramic artworks. To view Fallen Angel, please visit the Visual Arts Alberta – CARFAC.
