Mark Haney
Seth
Omnis Temporalis
April 9 – June 25, 2017
Opening Reception:
Saturday, April 8, 2017, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Curator: Nan Capogna
Omnis Temporalis is a multiform collaborative project that combines artistic genres by drawing together the cartoon work by renowned Canadian cartoonist Seth with original music and performance by Vancouver-based composer Mark Haney. Omnis Temporalis is based on Seth’s picture novella, George Sprott: 1894-1975. Mark Haney’s original musical work, written over the last four years, explores notions of an idealized Canada as depicted in Seth’s fictional city of Dominion where George Sprott lives. Notably, “Omnis Temporalis” is both the title of Haney’s new work and the written motto beneath Dominion’s Coat of Arms, foreshadowing the inevitability of change. Through various portrayals of the eponymous protagonist of the novella, George Sprott, Seth’s narrative explores themes of identity, time, change, loss and memory.
In 2011 Haney approached Seth for permission to use the critically acclaimed George Sprott: 1894-1975 as the basis for this new work. Seth enthusiastically embraced the project and their ongoing dialogue resulted this in collaboration. Significantly, Seth is creating a large new work for the RAG exhibition – an entire cartoon space devoted to the construction of Dominion’s television station, CKCK. Drawings and enlargements from George Sprott will be included with a selection of sketchbooks by Seth as well as a large-scale 3D cardboard model of the CKCK television station. In addition, performances will feature costumes and wearable art by Diane Park, based on Seth’s artwork.
There will be ten scheduled performances of Omnis Temporalis over the run of the exhibition. George Sprott (performed by Richard Newman) tells his story through dialog and song supported by an ensemble of characters and a trio of alto/bass flute, cello and double bass. Many of Dominion City’s landmarks are brought to life, including the Coronet Hall and CKCK TV with characters from George’s life.
All performances take place in Gallery 3 at the Richmond Art Gallery
