Stillness and Flow

Stillness and Flow is presented in two parts. The first features artworks created last September during Wanru Kemp’s participation in the Sheep River Artist Residency in Okotoks, Alberta. This body of work explores artistic ways to represent the perpetual cycle of water and life along the Sheep River, drawing inspiration from the Chinese philosophy of 上善若水.

One of its key concepts is that the highest form of goodness or virtue is like water, which benefits all things without competing or striving. Water is flexible, adaptable, and selfless, flowing to the lowest places and taking the shape of whatever contains it. It nurtures life, supports growth, and remains calm and gentle even in adversity. This philosophy emphasizes humility, kindness, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances of life.

During her time as Artist in Residence, Kemp developed a series of artworks that reflect the unique landscapes, while capturing the expressive nature of the area and fostering an appreciation for the natural world and its soothing presence. The second part of this exhibition consists of works developed by Kemp after the residency, shaped by the experiences and reflections that followed. This series focuses more on our interaction with nature, using shadows on the river’s path as an entry point to reflect the ‘Circularity of the River’ and to capture the elegance and tranquility of this unique landscape.