“Sharks” by David Khang, laser-etching on cells stained & fixed on glass slide

Opening: Thursday Sept 6, 7-10 pm
Exhibition Dates: Thursday, Sept 6 to Saturday Sept 22, 2012

grunt gallery and CSA Space are co-presenting Amelogenesis Imperfecta (How Deep is the Skin of Teeth), and Beautox Me, two related bodies of work that merge David Khang’s dual vocations – in art and dentistry.

grunt gallery is exhibiting Amelogenesis Imperfecta (How Deep is the Skin of Teeth), a project that combines disciplines from art and dental science to produce microscopic laser-drawings onto epithelial cells. This work is based on research conducted at SymbioticA Centre for Excellence in Biological Arts at the University of Western Australia. Khang experimented with growing enamel producing cells into shapes referred to as “enamel sculptures”. While the project did not reach its original objective to grow enamel, the cells produced during this experiment were cultivated onto glass slides providing an area in which the cells could be drawn on with a precise cutting laser.

The exhibition includes an essay on David Khang’s project, “Mashup Destinies” written by Kóan Jeff Baysa. Kóan Jeff Baysa is a physician, curator, designer, writer, critic, Whitney Museum Independent Study Program – Helena Rubinstein Curatorial Fellow, and a member of AICA, the association of international art critics. The essay is commissioned by Grunt Gallery. Click here to read the essay.

Khang’s practice is informed by education in psychology, theology, and dentistry. He received his BSc (1987) and DDS (1991), both from the University of Toronto, before pursuing his BFA from Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design (2000), and MFA with Emphasis in Critical Theory at UC Irvine (2004). He teaches sessionally at the Emily Carr University of Art+Design.

This exhibition is located in grunt gallery’s Media Lab. There is an opening reception, in association with Swarm 13, on Thursday September 6th (7-10 pm).

Location:
grunt gallery 350 E 2nd, hours: Tue-Sat, 12-5
Beautox Me will be exhibited at CSA Space, See Pulpfiction Books(2422 Main Street) for admission.

Made possible, in part, through support from:

The Hamber Foundation

PRESS CLIPPINGS:

The Georgia Straight: Artists Jonathan Villeneuve and David Khang take on complex themes…
The Georgia Straight: Fall arts preview: David Khang bridges the gap between science and art
Canadian Art: Sound Waves, Microscopes Bring Science-Fair Feel To Grunt Gallery