The present book documents the exhibition "Henry Tsang: The Crowning" at the Contemporary Art Gallery (March 30 to May 11, 1996). Includes an analysis by Jeff Derksen and an essay by Scott Toguri McFarlane. 

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The Crowning

Henry Tsang

The Contemporary Art Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of new work by Vancouver based artist Henry Tsang. Since 1987, Tsang has worked both as an artist and a curator whose subjects have included issues of the social urban landscape, identity, sexuality, and race. Having exhibited nationally and internationally, this will be his first solo gallery exhibition in Vancouver since 1992.

*The Crowning* is an installation that divides the gallery into two distinct and theatrical spaces. Upon entering the gallery, one is confronted by elements common to children's playgrounds: swings, a park bench and rubberized playground flooring. Directly behind the swings a wall of glass separates the viewer from the other space which presents a large photographic image of the emergence of a baby's head during the birthing process. This space reverberates psychologically between the wondrous event of birth and the corresponding familial expectations and responsibilities. While the birthing room projects the dramatic emergence of new life, the playground represents a sense of abandonment associated with play. The park bench that overlooks the installation functions as a means of surveillance. The swings, however, are placed precariously close to the glass and the piece provokes questions and tensions between the idea of life-giving and caregiving and the vulnerable relationship between the two.

The Contemporary Art Gallery thanks Play-tech Distributors Inc. for their advice and assistance.


Essay: "To Be Just," Scott Toguri McFarlane

An incomplete shape of a children’s hand shovel is carved on the metal surface. The handle is fully visible, but the blade is half recognizable as if it is stuck in the sand.

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A blue wooden bench is installed in the gallery space. The background wall is covered by the navy blue curtain, and the gallery floor is covered by the oranger rubber tiles. 

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Three swings are installed right next to the glass wall in the gallery. On the white wall over the swings, a large photograph of the emerging baby's head during the birthing process is installed. 

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A shape of a small carving knife is carved on the metal surface above the floor covered by the rubber tiles. The depicted knife looks skinny and half of its entire body is made up of the handle. 

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A two-dimensional image of a manual air pump is carved on a metal surface. The image of the air pump is horizontal, with the bottom of the air pump on the left, and the top of it on the right. 

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An installation view of three swings in the art gallery space. The black rubbered seats with silver chains are hung from the ceiling. The swings are placed right next to the large glass window.

Henry Tsang

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