Tamara Henderson: Of Seasons End

This installation by Tamara Henderson comprises nine individual artworks, presented as a scene. The artist describes the tall sculptures in the foreground as aliens or visitors. These are made from textiles, images and objects gathered by Henderson during her travels. The sculptures have also been used as caped costumes, worn during live performances. The character When the Wind Blows represents a nomadic collector with pockets filled with maps and newspapers. The design for Postcard from the Deep is based on a card the artist found showing insects illegally imported into the UK port of Dover. X-Rayed Path maps the routes and places Henderson travelled through while developing this series over two years.

Several feature fractured eyes, suggesting they have been damaged from seeing environmental destruction. Continuing the same symbols, materials and hand-made qualities, two hanging textiles form a backdrop to the cast of sculptural figures, contributing to the sense of theatricality in these works. The painting Tidal Bore is named after a seasonal phenomenon experienced in the artist’s hometown in New Brunswick, Canada when ocean tides surge up a river, causing a huge wave.

Of Seasons End is part of Henderson’s larger series Seasons End, which was developed between 2016 and 2018.

Supported by Tate Canada Foundation.