Fragments of Time: Relics of the Canadian Prairies is a visual story of time passage in the prairies, told by Calgary-based photographer Marquess Beck. It was displayed in downtown Calgary’s Peanut Gallery as an excerpt of a larger body of Beck’s photography. The grain elevators of Alberta and Saskatchewan were the subjects of this show, focusing on the land that they inhabit.
Accompanying the 15 pieces were 3 poems written by Beck’s father in lieu of an artist’s statement. The show spoke of how the passing of weather and seasons have changed these iconic landmarks and the people who live among them.
Marquess always comes to us early on. He is particular, practical, and always a pleasure to work with. We worked together on this project for a few months, discussing choices of curation, paper, printing, glass, and framing. For this show, he chose Hahnemuhle German Etching paper with texture that highlights the subject and creates life in negative space. He chose a contemporary frame to contrast the weathered subject matter, and a glass with low-reflectivity to allow for zero distraction. The show created was peaceful and powerful.