(UN)CENSORED, CHARISE FOLNOVIC

cSPACE
February 1 – February 28

un(Censored) is a collection of manipulated photographs that document a personal exploration into a world of big questions surrounding censorship, poverty and the exploitation of children in the Global South. The photographs were initially captured during a period of the artist’s travels and volunteer work with non-governmental organizations after graduating from the Alberta College of Art + Design (now AUArts) in 2008, spanning the course of a decade. They reveal her naivety of the world at large as well as other tourists, both exploiting the innocence of children and environments photographed. ​ 

Original images are dissected and built upon using different mediums and materials to act as a censor, keeping anonymity to see if that changes the narrative and how the viewer connects with the image. Taking the time to pause and reflect, will viewers start to ask their own questions? Questions reflecting past travels or to hopeful travels in the future. By adopting a more thoughtful approach, will new dignity be given to the subject being photographed before it is taken, published and exposed?​ 

“We are in need of conversations that bring about awareness and help promote change. To talk about solutions and ask ourselves hard questions on whether we’re making an effort to challenge preexisting stereotypes or if we’re perpetuating them. With a topic that doesn’t have easy solutions, these were not easy questions to ask myself, even attempt to answer. I hope it helps tell a larger story with more meaning than the one-dimensionality of what we are predisposed to know. I encourage viewers to become advocates for issues of their own personal importance and to enjoy discovering the subtleties of each piece.”​ 

*Photographs were captured through digital SLR and iPhone exposures, 35mm slide film, 120mm film and disposable cameras. ​

Charise Folnovic is an interdisciplinary artist who resides in Revelstoke, BC. ​ 

For information on opening hours and covid requirements, please see the venue’s website – cspacekingedward.com

Access: Location is wheelchair accessible

This exhibition is child friendly

cSPACE, 1721 29 Ave SW Calgary AB T2T 6T7