2022 Grad Show

Mackenzie Roth

AUArts Grad Show Insignia of the Little Bat – Mackenzie Roth #3

Glass

www.MackenzieRoth.com

The conflict between fascination and fear within the oddities found on our own planet create voids in which uncanniness overwhelms. Through my work, I create spectacles of these curiosities by forcing a confrontation – an experience that acts as a unique and impactful encounter. The narratives within my work tell the willfully ignored stories of the vestigial beings that exist beyond what our senses can comprehend. I parade these curiosities, not necessarily despite their uncanniness, but because of it. While the uncanny evokes uneasiness, I toy with the relationship between attraction and repulsion to force the viewer to deliberate on the oddities before them by creating atmospheres of feeling where intrigue and repulsion contest for dominance.  My work explores a void, both physical and psychological where we are faced with the unknowns that exist in the spaces where we cannot – whether microscopic, historic, or within areas of our planet that are uninhabitable by humans. My installations create an environment – an experience – where viewers are to face the nihilistic “world without us” and explore it and its oddities. It is this way that I wish to allow viewers entry into the void. When gazing upon my work, I desire viewers to feel a sense of wonder and simultaneous unease that captivates and mystifies. Within each encounter, I bridge the gap that written and verbal languages cannot express – telling the narratives of the voids amongst us.

I find great fascination in the oddities found on our own planet – the creatures and environments that we place in the uncanny. I am intrigued by our aversion to these oddities, despite their curious allure. Inspired by the writings of David Peak, I have grown inquisitive as to how voids within our understanding impact our reactions to the natural world around us. As a Canadian, I take great pride in my heritage and country and use the hidden worlds within Canada as the mode for sharing my narratives. As such, my current work explores the micro cosmic ecosystems within our Canadian landscape as well as Canada’s rich fossil record of the creatures time as forgotten. Taking inspiration from scientific journals and imaginative authors, my work tells the nihilistic narrative of places inaccessible to our senses and beyond what they can feasibly comprehend.

From Beyond
From Beyond - Still
From Beyond - Still
From Beyond - Still
From Beyond - Still

From Beyond

First installed April 2021. Performance depicts viewer interaction. Glass, alcohol ink, aircraft cable, steel, motors, copper wire, electrical cords.
This work was created as an illustrative experience inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s From Beyond.

From Beyond
From Beyond
From Beyond AUArts Grad Show 2For
From Beyond - Still
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From Beyond - Still
From Beyond AUArts Grad Show 1
From Beyond - Still
From Beyond AUArts Grad Show 2
From Beyond - Still
Extinction Event As a Canadian, I take great pride in my heritage and country. I have found it intriguing how the Burgess Shale does not hold a greater significance within our identity and history as Canadians. Growing up in a city bordering the Rocky Mountains, I have always felt a connection to nature and what it conceals.
Extinction Event - Detail It is within these mountains that scientific treasures, such as the Burgess Shale are found – these discoveries changing and shaping how we now view evolutionary history thanks to the writings of Steven Jay Gould. The Cambrian explosion and its discovery has been fundamental in understanding evolution and the development of life as we know it – however it is not a feature often spoken about when highlighting the ‘attractions’ of Canada.
Extinction Event As I was speaking with a gallery owner this past summer about my previous fossil-oriented work, she described how she went on a hike to see the burgess shale. She explained that the guide was not very knowledgeable of the fossils and the hike participants seemed more intrigued by the adorable pika hiding through out the rocks than the fossils themselves. Even within museums, such as the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Burgess Shale only hold a small section with limited information.
Extinction Event - Detail This is partially due to the incredibly rare and fragile nature of many Cambrian fossils, but even so, the gift shop and museum advertising is always filled with skeletal reptiles over soft-bodied sea creatures. While these are beautiful findings, arguably none have played the same significant role in forming our understanding of evolution and the creation of diverse and adaptive life as the Burgess Shale – and they are a breakthrough only found within our Rocky Mountains!
Extinction Event ! I believe that this should be a defining feature of Canada’s biological history landscape, and an important feature of our land. With this work, I hope to impart a stronger appreciation of this Canadian breakthrough upon the viewer, allowing them to take further pride and fascination in the diversity and amazing feature of the Canadian landscape.

Extinction Event

Extinction event is an installation work made from a hand-engraved, blown glass incalmo bowl, shale, soil and a specific light source. This piece is displayed at the AUArts in-person Grad Show. Completed in 2021.

Extinction Event AUArts Grad Show Extinction Event 4
Extinction Event As a Canadian, I take great pride in my heritage and country. I have found it intriguing how the Burgess Shale does not hold a greater significance within our identity and history as Canadians. Growing up in a city bordering the Rocky Mountains, I have always felt a connection to nature and what it conceals.
Extinction Event AUArts Grad Show Extinction Event 5
Extinction Event - Detail It is within these mountains that scientific treasures, such as the Burgess Shale are found – these discoveries changing and shaping how we now view evolutionary history thanks to the writings of Steven Jay Gould. The Cambrian explosion and its discovery has been fundamental in understanding evolution and the development of life as we know it – however it is not a feature often spoken about when highlighting the ‘attractions’ of Canada.
Extinction Event AUArts Grad Show Extinction Event 2
Extinction Event As I was speaking with a gallery owner this past summer about my previous fossil-oriented work, she described how she went on a hike to see the burgess shale. She explained that the guide was not very knowledgeable of the fossils and the hike participants seemed more intrigued by the adorable pika hiding through out the rocks than the fossils themselves. Even within museums, such as the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Burgess Shale only hold a small section with limited information.
Extinction Event AUArts Grad Show Extinction Event 3
Extinction Event - Detail This is partially due to the incredibly rare and fragile nature of many Cambrian fossils, but even so, the gift shop and museum advertising is always filled with skeletal reptiles over soft-bodied sea creatures. While these are beautiful findings, arguably none have played the same significant role in forming our understanding of evolution and the creation of diverse and adaptive life as the Burgess Shale – and they are a breakthrough only found within our Rocky Mountains!
Extinction Event AUArts Grad Show Extinction Event 1
Extinction Event ! I believe that this should be a defining feature of Canada’s biological history landscape, and an important feature of our land. With this work, I hope to impart a stronger appreciation of this Canadian breakthrough upon the viewer, allowing them to take further pride and fascination in the diversity and amazing feature of the Canadian landscape.
Elite Garment has the ability to transform the wearer by altering the silhouette. Perhaps one of the most iconic examples of a silhouette altering garment for women is the heeled shoe - not only do they help elongate a form and make the wearer appear tall, but they also historically held purpose for battle and preservation of an appearance of dignity. 16th century Europe introduced the use of the heeled shoe as a sex symbol – for both genders.
Carat A prominent use for heeled shoes in women would be by Italian courtesans. Not only were these women wealthier by their trade, making such lavish shoes affordable, "since courtesans were supposed to please men, and pretty much interacted almost exclusively with them, they were often also supposed to like male things. This included reading, smoking, drinking, and wearing heels so they towered above everyone else." - Jennifer Wright (2015)
Luxe Some of these shoes were so tall that the courtesans needed an additional accessory: a man to hold her up and she attempted to walk. The heeled shoe went through many developmental phases throughout history, but the one thing that never ceased to be a factor in their wearing was their ability to make an individual’s silhouette appear taller and more elongated.
Elite - SAMPLE Today, high heels are still a transformative garment that makes the wearer appear wealthy, powerful, sexy and of a higher class standing. The wearing of heels is not only a performance for the gaze of others, but also for the self.

Luxe

The work not only speaks to the power of garment, but, through drawing upon histories, how women have reclaimed sexualized garments as power symbols. The performance of wearing courtesan heels in a modern setting is an act of rebellion and becomes a spectacle for the gaze and as such becomes an act of rebellion. The model in the shoes is perceived at the height of her power, drawing attention from all those who pass her - none approaching but all watching. While the shoes themselves are extreme, they simply act as a catalyst for channeling power and confidence to bewitch the gaze. With this, she reclaims ownership over her role as not just a synergist but a channeler of power.

November 2020.

Luxe AUArts Grad Show 02. ELITE
Elite Garment has the ability to transform the wearer by altering the silhouette. Perhaps one of the most iconic examples of a silhouette altering garment for women is the heeled shoe - not only do they help elongate a form and make the wearer appear tall, but they also historically held purpose for battle and preservation of an appearance of dignity. 16th century Europe introduced the use of the heeled shoe as a sex symbol – for both genders.
Luxe AUArts Grad Show 01. CARAT
Carat A prominent use for heeled shoes in women would be by Italian courtesans. Not only were these women wealthier by their trade, making such lavish shoes affordable, "since courtesans were supposed to please men, and pretty much interacted almost exclusively with them, they were often also supposed to like male things. This included reading, smoking, drinking, and wearing heels so they towered above everyone else." - Jennifer Wright (2015)
Luxe AUArts Grad Show 04. LUXE
Luxe Some of these shoes were so tall that the courtesans needed an additional accessory: a man to hold her up and she attempted to walk. The heeled shoe went through many developmental phases throughout history, but the one thing that never ceased to be a factor in their wearing was their ability to make an individual’s silhouette appear taller and more elongated.
Luxe AUArts Grad Show SAMPLE PRINT W. WATERMARK
Elite - SAMPLE Today, high heels are still a transformative garment that makes the wearer appear wealthy, powerful, sexy and of a higher class standing. The wearing of heels is not only a performance for the gaze of others, but also for the self.
Memento Mori - Revival Revival - Life - Regeneration - Giving Back to Earth.
Memento Mori - Peace Peace - Rest - Celebration of Life - Spirit - Passing Over to the Afterlife.
Memento Mori - Passing Passing - Loss - Empty - Grief - The Absence of Presence.
Memento Mori - On Body Sample On-body sample, modeling "Revival".

Memento Mori Earrings

Enameled copper, graphite, abalone, amethyst, onyx, pearl, plastic ear backs, steel ear wire. April 2021.

An exploration on cultural death practices and perceptions of death a a wearable declaration of memento mori.

Memento Mori Earrings AUArts Grad Show DSCN4694
Memento Mori - Revival Revival - Life - Regeneration - Giving Back to Earth.
Memento Mori Earrings AUArts Grad Show DSCN4736 (2)
Memento Mori - Peace Peace - Rest - Celebration of Life - Spirit - Passing Over to the Afterlife.
Memento Mori Earrings AUArts Grad Show DSCN4729
Memento Mori - Passing Passing - Loss - Empty - Grief - The Absence of Presence.
Memento Mori Earrings AUArts Grad Show DSCN4758
Memento Mori - On Body Sample On-body sample, modeling "Revival".
Insignia of the Little Bat On body.
Insignia of the Little Bat
Insignia of the Little Bat On body.
Insignia of the Little Bat Detail.

Insignia of the Little Bat

Fine and sterling silver, moonstone cabochon. February – March 2020.

Created using traditional filigree techniques, this piece highlights the elegance of the bat – the flow of the filigree wires drawing inspiration from the movement of sound waves echolocation. The piece was featured in local exhibition, The Delicate Display from March 21st – 28th, 2019 in the Vortex Gallery (Calgary, AB).

Insignia of the Little Bat AUArts Grad Show Insignia of the Little Bat – Mackenzie Roth #1
Insignia of the Little Bat On body.
Insignia of the Little Bat AUArts Grad Show Batwing Filigree
Insignia of the Little Bat
Insignia of the Little Bat AUArts Grad Show Insignia of the Little Bat – Mackenzie Roth #3
Insignia of the Little Bat On body.
Insignia of the Little Bat AUArts Grad Show Insignia of the Little Bat – Mackenzie Roth #4
Insignia of the Little Bat Detail.
Opabinia Regalis This piece has been shown as part of the below shows: April 2019 – The Cambrian Revival. Emerald Lake, Columbia-Shuswap, British Columbia, Canada. November – December 2021 – Preservation. Framed on Fifth, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. March – July 2022 – Craft and Science. Alberta Craft Council Feature Gallery, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Opabinia Regalis

Glass and Coral. December 2018.

Primarily found hidden within sedimentary deposits in British Columbia, this arthropod existed during the Middle Cambrian Period – making it one of the Rockies’ infamous Burgess Shale creatures. Fewer than 20 good specimens of Opabinia have been reported, leaving much to be discovered in regards to their lifestyle and anatomy. Although, from the research available, it is deduced that these soft-bodied sea creatures used the lobes along the sides of their bodies to glide across the sea floor and use their proboscis to search for food. They average about 5.7cm in length. This piece depicts a glass study of the creature based off of available research and recent discoveries.

Opabinia Regalis AUArts Grad Show Opabinia Regalis
Opabinia Regalis
This piece has been shown as part of the below shows:

April 2019 – The Cambrian Revival. Emerald Lake, Columbia-Shuswap, British Columbia, Canada.

November – December 2021 – Preservation. Framed on Fifth, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

March – July 2022 – Craft and Science. Alberta Craft Council Feature Gallery, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
A Reclamation of Hope
A Reclamation of Hope
A Reclamation of Hope

A Reclamation of Hope

October 2020. Stained glass, photographic documentation.

This piece was exhibited during “New Normal” at the Ruberto Ostberg Gallery in November 2021 and again at the “11th Annual President’s Student Art, Craft and Design Exhibition” at the Alberta University of the Arts from April 2022 to January 2023.

Photography in collaboration with Leia Guo.

A Reclamation of Hope AUArts Grad Show Reclamation of Hope
A Reclamation of Hope
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A Reclamation of Hope
A Reclamation of Hope AUArts Grad Show _LEI0559EDITsmall
A Reclamation of Hope
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below - Detail Detail of Projection
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below - Short Story
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below - Recognitions An iteration of this work was featured at the Ruberto Ostberg Gallery (Calgary) from October 23rd to November 13th, 2020 for the YYC Ghost Stories Volume 2 show, where it was awarded the “Peoples’ Choice Award”.

Do Not Seek the Infinities Below

Glass, steel and aluminum frame. 13in x 13in x 30in when installed, individually each piece is approx. 10in x 12in. Ongoing (2020 onward).
This work is accompanied by a short story - video embedded in carrousel.
Images credited to and courtesy of Mathieu Martel.

Do Not Seek the Infinities Below AUArts Grad Show Do Not Seek the Infinities Below sm
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below AUArts Grad Show Do Not Seek the Infinities Below (detail of projection) sm
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below - Detail Detail of Projection
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below - Short Story
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below AUArts Grad Show Screenshot 2022-05-14 234051
Do Not Seek the Infinities Below - Recognitions An iteration of this work was featured at the Ruberto Ostberg Gallery (Calgary) from October 23rd to November 13th, 2020 for the YYC Ghost Stories Volume 2 show, where it was awarded the “Peoples’ Choice Award”.
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence Photography credits to Elisha Lozares.
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence - Detail Photography credits to Elisha Lozares.
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence - Detail Photography credits to Elisha Lozares.
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence - Detail Photography credits to Elisha Lozares.
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence - Detail Photography credits to Elisha Lozares.

A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence

Reduction fired / glazed ceramic, gold leaf, oil paint. 9in x 7in x 7in. December 2021.

A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence AUArts Grad Show EL_2022_ITEM09_MR_1
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence Photography credits to Elisha Lozares.
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence AUArts Grad Show EL_2022_ITEM09_MR_9
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence - Detail Photography credits to Elisha Lozares.
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence AUArts Grad Show EL_2022_ITEM09_MR_7
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence - Detail Photography credits to Elisha Lozares.
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence AUArts Grad Show EL_2022_ITEM09_MR_2
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence - Detail Photography credits to Elisha Lozares.
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence AUArts Grad Show EL_2022_ITEM09_MR_5
A Celebration of Evolutionary Excellence - Detail Photography credits to Elisha Lozares.
Material for More Than Protection Glass, copper, wood, fossilized turtle shell, trilobite and fish. 41in x 15in x 7in
Detail - Turtle The method of construction, having the fossils prong set and inserted within a hole in the piece, allows for a protective barrier during display and an easy removal for cleaning, study and general maintenance – all crucial elements that must be taken into account when creating functional display.
Detail - Trilobite The fossils chosen to be displayed in such a manner are organisms with which perfect preservation and visualization is not always possible. As such, the accessibility of the fossilized information is a lot more difficult for general audiences. With this in mind, the use of transparent glass allows for visualization of form and markings to the best of our knowledge, without superimposing hypothesized and artistic ‘gap filling’ that is often present within illustrations (i.e. soft tissues).
Detail - Fish Additionally, one of the most intriguing features of glass is its ability to magnify and distort – a feature that is not used to its full potential in traditional methods of display. Creating three dimensional forms, with varying planes and thicknesses of glass allows for a variety of lenses to be created. Through each of these lenses, a specimen can be magnified and viewed from different angles, revealing details that may otherwise be missed while viewing with the naked eye.

Alternative Methods of Display

With this work, I am challenging traditional display methods, specifically within a museum environment. Frequently, specimens are seen behind glass, displayed with information and illustrations of their alive forms, using the glass as a protective material. While the importance of glass for preservation cannot be understated, regarding glass as a material for artistic manipulation can create an interactive experience that is functional, educative and beautiful. Each of the vessels are sculpted to take on the likeness of the creature they contain. Using clear glass in such a way not only acts as a protective barrier to preserve the fossil but generates a ghostly illusion of the prehistoric creature. Photo credits: Elisha Lozares.

Alternative Methods of Display AUArts Grad Show EL_2022_ITEMcol_MR_8
Material for More Than Protection Glass, copper, wood, fossilized turtle shell, trilobite and fish. 41in x 15in x 7in
Alternative Methods of Display AUArts Grad Show EL_2022_ITEMcol_MR_7
Detail - Turtle The method of construction, having the fossils prong set and inserted within a hole in the piece, allows for a protective barrier during display and an easy removal for cleaning, study and general maintenance – all crucial elements that must be taken into account when creating functional display.
Alternative Methods of Display AUArts Grad Show EL_2022_ITEMcol_MR_6
Detail - Trilobite The fossils chosen to be displayed in such a manner are organisms with which perfect preservation and visualization is not always possible. As such, the accessibility of the fossilized information is a lot more difficult for general audiences. With this in mind, the use of transparent glass allows for visualization of form and markings to the best of our knowledge, without superimposing hypothesized and artistic ‘gap filling’ that is often present within illustrations (i.e. soft tissues).
Alternative Methods of Display AUArts Grad Show EL_2022_ITEMcol_MR_3
Detail - Fish Additionally, one of the most intriguing features of glass is its ability to magnify and distort – a feature that is not used to its full potential in traditional methods of display. Creating three dimensional forms, with varying planes and thicknesses of glass allows for a variety of lenses to be created. Through each of these lenses, a specimen can be magnified and viewed from different angles, revealing details that may otherwise be missed while viewing with the naked eye.