.png)
A unique blend of science and art is on display right now at the 210 Gallery in the Exchange District. Exploring the ELA is a painter’s rendering of the IISD – Experimental Lakes Area near Kenora, where vital ecological research takes place.
The painter in question is Gilbert Plains-area artist Audrey Lute, who travelled across Manitoba to the ELA twice last year as part of a residency to capture the research in her trademark landscape format.
“It’s basically to give me a grounding of realism,” says Lute of why she starts with landscapes, “but I kind of go from there into a fantasy world.”
The work of the scientists in the ELA can sometimes seem like the stuff of science fiction, with work including the analysis of microplastics in the ecosystem and the long-term effects of acid rain. Lute was able to accompany the scientists on a wide variety of field assignments, all the while capturing the beauty of the region.
“I just wanted to bring some of that back in a small snippet of time of what people were doing and the importance of it as well,” says Lute.
The snippets of time were not the only thing that’s small about Exploring the ELA. The collection of works within it are also quite small compared with other landscapes. Part of this is economical - “I traveled eight hours to get to the Experimental Lakes from Gilbert Plains – I wanted something that was easily transportable,” says Lute – but it also forces audiences to engage with the works very intentionally. “You have to get up close and personal,” Lute explains, “and I think that’s part of the visit. It’s a personal experience for every individual.”
Lute hopes that Manitobans who encounter her works in Exploring the ELA will take an interest in the work being done there and become more engaged with preserving the ecology in their part of the province. “Every little bit helps, even if it’s just one little thing,” she says. “I was very fortunate to be able to do the residency there and I’m just hoping that other people will share my excitement.”
Exploring the ELA is on display at the 210 Gallery on Princess Street in the Exchange District until May 27. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday. For more information, visit the 210 Gallery’s website.