Published on Thursday, 29 July 2021 at 2:34:19 PM

Our very own Middleton Beach has become the canvas for local emerging artist Jhodi Bennett’s new exhibition Passage Through First Light which will be on display at the Vancouver Arts Centre.

Passage Through First Light takes viewers on a visual journey through Middleton Beach and the Boardwalk, highlighting elements of the landscape that are often overlooked in day-to-day life.

Jhodi has been visiting Middleton Beach across a 20-year period, documenting the natural trails and wildlife encounters throughout the land and ocean that are contained in Passage Through First Light.

Physical elements of the Middleton Beach environment have been captured in the narrative that include wood, tree resin, bitumen, charcoal and beeswax which let nature control the story.

Jhodi said that drawing attention to the natural environment is crucial for its continued sustainability.

“We are fortunate enough to have an incredible natural landscape in the Great Southern. I wanted to highlight the detail in the day-to-day to aid in preserving our connection with our environment,” she said.

“The wildlife around us have an ability to camouflage themselves within their surroundings. When I looked closer, many shapes are echoed in different scales from rocks and bubbles to grains of sand.”

City of Albany Manager Arts and Culture Paul Nielsen said he was excited to introduce a new local artist to the Vancouver Arts Centre.

“It is always an honour to exhibit new artwork but particularly an emerging local artist such as Jhodi with new ideas, a fresh perspective and enthusiasm that is inspiring,” he said.

“Our expressions of interest for local artists are always an exciting time for our creative community whose passion and talent we are very keen to show off.”

Passage Through First Light opens at Vancouver Arts Centre on August 2 and runs to August 24.

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