Nuclear weapons tests are carried out to determine effectiveness, yield, and explosive capability. Throughout the twentieth century most nations that developed nuclear weapons have experimented with their potential and strength. These tests are conducted in designated sites located on barren terrain or underwater. The experiments generate vital information about how the weapons work and behave under varying conditions, as well as how surrounding structures ‘react’ to the explosions. Nuclear tests are also overtly political, being used to demonstrate both scientific mastery and military strength.

The Fine Art graduate and doctoral students in Visual Arts & Culture at York University are conducting their own experiments for Test Site, an exhibition at the Durham Art Gallery, investigating the impact of their work on new audiences. In preparation for their upcoming theses defenses, the graduating students will be able to study the effects of their work though engagement and critical feedback. As a site for new ideas, projects, and exchanges, the gallery’s grounds are being used to review the potential of ideas and the strength of mediums, gauging the force of the work at this critical juncture in their educational careers. Most are works in progress, pliable and open for interpretation, making visible layers of information and results of labour.

Artists:
Jaime Angelopoulos, Eshrat Erfanian, Zev Farber, Elle Flanders, Lauren Goldman, Risa Horowitz, Anthony Koutras, Catherine Lane, Julieta Maria, Troy Ouellette, Cheryl Rondeau, and Dustin Wenzel

Events:
Challenge wordsmith Risa “The Champ” Horowitz in a Scrabble Tournament taking place in the gallery on Saturday, February 6th. Bring your board (or just your brains) and get ready to throw down a Triple-Triple from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

Friday, March 12th at 7:30 PM for a one-night screening of Road Movie by Elle Flanders.