Today I delivered my finished salmon "The Invasive Species" to the Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM). Although, it was officially unveiled 3 days ago on "daytime" a Roger's television show, these are the first photographs I've publish of the finished sculpture. The rain finally let up enough for me to photograph the work outdoors. Here is the summary of my proposal:
Through my Salmon Run Project, I wish to provoke thought on how urban development has been "built on the backs" of the Credit River salmon. The increase of impermeable surfaces such as roofs, patios, and roads means rain carries debris, oil, gas (from roadways) and silt through the hundreds of Mississauga storm sewers directly into the river. This black and brown water stresses the salmon, kills the insects they feed on and buries their spawning grounds. I will attach miniature houses with acrylic gels (representing tar & oil) in clusters similar to those of an invasive species such as the zebra mussel. These clusters will represent development that has the potential to impede, choke, and threaten the salmon with death, if not controlled.
