Derek von Essen’s Topographic Flux March 22, 2010

Vancouver multi-disciplinary artist captures that perfect moment and exhibits solo in Toronto for the first time.

For artist Derek von Essen the mediums are many, but only two themes recur in his art; place and time. The artist attended opening reception for “Topographic Flux” is on Thursday, April 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Leonardo Galleries.

Derek von Essen states, “I am interested in what we do with our living spaces, the environment we choose to nurture and the changes which occur over time. There is always a before and after, but the moment of transformation is often disregarded. This series conveys that period of flux — the journey of a forgotten time replaced by the anticipation of a [temporary] end result.”

Von Essen photo-documented the 80’s underground rock music scene at hundreds of Toronto clubs, including touring acts Nirvana, Soundgarden and Mudhoney before they achieved fame. His photo archive captures images the Vancouver Westender called, “Confrontational, kinetic and the result of a keen eye for the perfect moment.”

Derek von Essen, born of German and Jamaican parentage, relocated from Toronto to Vancouver in 1991. While working in photography, painting, graphic design, video and mixed-media art, von Essen’s do-it-yourself leanings has propelled him to challenge himself and his use of found objects has no limitations (including overheard conversations from passersby).

As a graphic designer, von Essen has a specialized client base including Ballet British Columbia, Screen Siren Pictures and the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. And, along with providing his photography, von Essen designed A Verse Map of Vancouver (Anvil Press 2009); a 200-page hardback anthology edited by Vancouver's inaugural Poet Laureate George McWhirter.

His Horizons + Intersections photography and video projection series (2004-2008) exhibited in Toronto at the Bau-Xi Gallery, in Vancouver at the East 3rd Gallery and was screened in many international art and film festivals.

Quotes:

Toronto Star art critic Peter Goddard states, “Derek von Essen – a terrific artist.”

Vancouver arts journalist Nancy Lanthier writes, “The paintings portray von Essen's expansive side; brimming with language, they convey intricate personal treaties, like songs in colour. Diligent and relentlessly inquiring, Derek von Essen has created a significant body of art.”