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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
What began as an exploration of the possibilities of animation between two artists evolved into an exhibition currently on display at the OSC Gallery in Fort Simpson.

A series of three animal masks is part of the work by Montreal artist Jessica MacCormack featured in the OSC Gallery in Fort Simpson. The work is part of an exhibition titled Natural Disasters, Pets and Other Stories. The exhibition is on display until Dec. 14. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photos

Natural Disasters, Pets and Other Stories is a combined exhibition of the works of artists Jessica MacCormack and Elisabeth Belliveau.

The exhibition has been featured in galleries in Winnipeg and Calgary but this is the NWT debut for both artists.

Belliveau, originally from Nova Scotia, and MacCormack, originally from Vancouver, met in Montreal where they were both living approximately two years ago.

Animation incorporated

Both artists incorporate animation into their work and wanted to adapt the medium to a gallery context while retaining control over its presentation and soundtracks.

To that end, they focused on a theme they were both exploring – non-linear, abstract biographical storytelling. Two animated videos, Margaret's Mountain by Belliveau, and Nothing Ever Happened by MacCormack, form the cornerstones of the exhibition.

Belliveau said she was inspired by old photographs and bits of stories about her grandmothers and great-grandmothers, who all coincidentally had Margaret as either their first or middle name, for Margaret's Mountain, a stop-motion video animation, .

"It's kind of their stories and my stories blending together in this fragmented narrative," she said.

Belliveau said the common theme between all of her works in the exhibition, including animation, drawings and sculptures, is a chronicling of the everyday and a curiosity about the relationships between people and places, people and each other, and people and animals.

"It's almost like a diary of experimenting with writing and bringing all of these things together," she said.

Through her work, Belliveau said she is looking at ways of telling her own story that are a bit broken and not cohesive.

"I think personal storytelling is useful," Belliveau said.

Storytelling allows people to connect with each other, she said.

Belliveau said she hopes the way stories are told in the exhibition resonates with the people who come to see it.

MacCormack also explores identity and narrative in her works but delves into much darker themes. The issue of child abuse is one MacCormack brings forward in the animation Nothing Ever Happened and other works in the exhibition.

Child abuse experienced

MacCormack experienced extreme child abuse while growing up and mental-health problems as a result.

MacCormack said she's trying to express parts of her own history.

Nothing Ever Happened shows a landscape populated by child-like creatures and animal imagery. The film has a surreal and violent nature, said MacCormack.

"It's a very similar feeling to abuse," she said.

People viewing the film know something is wrong but, similar to victims of child abuse, can't quite pinpoint what it is.

Both MacCormack and Belliveau said they are disappointed they won't be able to travel to Fort Simpson to see the exhibition, which will be on display at the OSC Gallery until Dec. 14. An exhibition reception will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 24.

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