Eastside Culture Crawl - A Visual Arts, Design, & Crafts Festival

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Esther Rausenberg

Photography

Esther Rausenberg is a contemporary photo-based artist who has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally in Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, and Croatia and is a recipient of Canada Council and BC Arts Council grants. For 10 years Esther has been at the helm of the Eastside Arts Society as the Artistic & Executive Director. She is also Co-artistic Director of Creative Cultural Collaborations Society (C3)which launched the Blue Cabin Artist Residency. She holds an MA (UBC) and a BA (SFU) where she studied film and video, sound and contemporary dance.

PERCEPTIONS OF BALANCE – Impressions of Japan photographic series. Through photographs, the series explores the Japanese aesthetic and philosophy of balance. ‘Nagomi’ is a concept in Japanese culture that embodies harmony and balance as being essential elements in life. It permeates all facets of Japanese life; personal, aesthetic, relationships, mindfulness, even food.

I traveled to different parts of the country, and was impressed by different facets of the Japanese aesthetic. I came home with works and inspirations that reflect these varied experiences. But the unifying element; undercurrents of symmetry and balance, is evident throughout this exhibit.

Landscape as Witness series- The images are evocative, the colours are luscious and the juxtapositions surreal. Many in viewing these images are engaged by the beauty of them – re-imagining themselves elsewhere. I am intentionally altering the landscape to make it appear familiar, seducing the viewer to believe they are viewing a landscape of beauty. The images, when scrutinized more closely, however, present something quite different. In actuality, they are of a pine beetle ravaged forest. Since 2017, Esther has been a Trustee on the Vancouver Art Gallery Board and now Vice-Chair. From 2018 -2024 she was appointed to the Board of Governors at Emily Carr University of Art & Design. In 2023 she was the recipient of the BC Community Achievement Award and was a finalist for the Salt Spring National Art Prize.