Aleksandre Vukšinič-Gauthier
Aleksandre Vukšinič-Gauthier’s series examines notions of value as informed by labour, material, aesthetic sensibilities, and institutional appraisal. Vukšinič-Gauthier draws inspiration from working at an antique store trawling auction results, antiquities reference guides, catalogues, and consulting “experts.” Through juxtaposing gaudy, prized antiques and overlooked, ephemeral objects such as fast-food containers and polystyrene trays, Vukšinič-Gauthier negotiates a deep resentment for the ostentatious lifestyles of the antique shop patrons with a burgeoning passion for the bric-a-brac he encountered. He describes his process as cathartic, likening it to the Buddhist practice of creating elaborate mandalas from coloured sand, only to annihilate them. Creating objects that are ornate and suggestive of fine wares, but functionless and materially low-grade, the artist highlights the hypocrisy in our collective impulse to amass beautiful things that are too precious to use. Conversely, by using single-use, disposable materials, Vukšinič-Gathier brings attention to the objects that we care so little about that we throw them away. Continuous experimentation and adaptation are necessitated by working with a range of utilitarian supports like plastic, cardboard, and polystyrene. Through utilizing various paints, adhesives, varnishes, and gilding materials, a persuasive approximation is achieved, underscoring contradictory notions of convenience and inutility, exclusivity and mundaneness, permanence and impermanence.
Aleksandre Vukšinič-Gauthier is a multidisciplinary artist from Halton Hills, Ontario. Working serially, he augments vernacular objects and materials with indulgent and meticulously applied designs that evoke luxury wares and dainty fabrics. Vukšinič-Gauthier explores themes of consumption, labour, materialism, and ecology in his work.