The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: The Voyage of Life exhibition featuring sculptures from Christopher Mahonski and Eli Kessler

The Voyage of Life exhibition combines sculptures from Christopher Mahonski and Eli Kessler. These sculptures are created using a wide range of processes and techniques, like metal fabrication and woodworking. These processes are combined with biological specimens and geological forms to expose the tensions between ecological and socio-cultural developments. The exhibition is currently being shown from Oct. 24 to Nov. 29, 2022 in the McMaster Gallery at McMaster College. 

Photos: Sydney Conner and Hannah Flint

Sculptures from Eli Kessler and Christopher Mahonski on display during the Voyage of Life Exhibit in the McMaster Gallery. The exhibit is taking place from Oct. 24 to Nov. 29, 2022.
Sculptures from Eli Kessler and Christopher Mahonski on display during the Voyage of Life Exhibit in the McMaster Gallery. The exhibit is taking place from Oct. 24 to Nov. 29, 2022.
"Anthropocene Hex Sign" (left) and "Fear of the Unknown: Haunting Abstraction" (right) by Eli Kessler both focus on the juxtaposition between humanity and nature. Both works use a combination of natural elements and industrial parts to express the tension between the two.
"Anthropocene Hex Sign" (left) and "Fear of the Unknown: Haunting Abstraction" (right) by Eli Kessler both focus on the juxtaposition between humanity and nature. Both works use a combination of natural elements and industrial parts to express the tension between the two.
"Anthropocene Hex Sign" by Eli Kessler uses the butterfly species Parnassius Phoebus and Alcides Orontes to create a hive-like structure housing the butterflies. The sculpture is created with aluminum, 3D-printed PLA plastic and LED lights.
"Anthropocene Hex Sign" by Eli Kessler uses the butterfly species Parnassius Phoebus and Alcides Orontes to create a hive-like structure housing the butterflies. The sculpture is created with aluminum, 3D-printed PLA plastic and LED lights.
"Drifter History" by Christopher Mahonski uses a collection of various walking sticks to explore the hypothetical spectrum of objects. The wide range of materials, textures and appearances of objects of similar function blurs the line between found and fabricated elements.
"Drifter History" by Christopher Mahonski uses a collection of various walking sticks to explore the hypothetical spectrum of objects. The wide range of materials, textures and appearances of objects of similar function blurs the line between found and fabricated elements.
Christopher Mahonski’s sculpture "Drifter History" can be seen through the illuminated LED strips of Eli Kessler’s "Anthropocene Hex Sign." Both works comment on the tension between ecological elements and industrial materials.
Christopher Mahonski’s sculpture "Drifter History" can be seen through the illuminated LED strips of Eli Kessler’s "Anthropocene Hex Sign." Both works comment on the tension between ecological elements and industrial materials.
"Drifter History" by Christopher Mahonski is a collection of found and fabricated walking sticks inserted into individual metal bases. Each individual stick is made of a unique material and distinctive style.
"Drifter History" by Christopher Mahonski is a collection of found and fabricated walking sticks inserted into individual metal bases. Each individual stick is made of a unique material and distinctive style.
"The Thorn" (left), "The Side" (center) and "The Pleasure Principle" (right) by Eli Kessler. All three pieces comment on the underlying psychology of American folk art, 1980s pop culture and contemporary society.
"The Thorn" (left), "The Side" (center) and "The Pleasure Principle" (right) by Eli Kessler. All three pieces comment on the underlying psychology of American folk art, 1980s pop culture and contemporary society.
A closer look at the TV used in "The Side" by Eli Kessler. This sculpture is made from acrylic sheets, PLA plastic, cooling fans, a glass block, plaster, Apoxie Clay and a CRT TV, which is playing a video on a loop.
A closer look at the TV used in "The Side" by Eli Kessler. This sculpture is made from acrylic sheets, PLA plastic, cooling fans, a glass block, plaster, Apoxie Clay and a CRT TV, which is playing a video on a loop.
"Perceptual Interface" by Eli Kessler is constructed of a server network cabinet, video, monitors, an optical grid and a cooling fan. The work involves a recording-like avatar that has minimal movement, creating an eerie atmosphere.
"Perceptual Interface" by Eli Kessler is constructed of a server network cabinet, video, monitors, an optical grid and a cooling fan. The work involves a recording-like avatar that has minimal movement, creating an eerie atmosphere.
"Some Things" by Christopher Mahonski symbolizes the exhibit’s theme of the connection between ecological and socio-cultural advancements. This piece is constructed from materials ranging from trash to treasures.
"Some Things" by Christopher Mahonski symbolizes the exhibit’s theme of the connection between ecological and socio-cultural advancements. This piece is constructed from materials ranging from trash to treasures.
A closer look at "Some Things" by Christopher Mahonski shows the different materials and textures of the sculpture. "Some Things" is compromised of a collection of both found and fabricated oddities.
A closer look at "Some Things" by Christopher Mahonski shows the different materials and textures of the sculpture. "Some Things" is compromised of a collection of both found and fabricated oddities.
A visitor takes a photo of "Some Things" by Christopher Mahonski in the Voyage of Life exhibit featured in the McMaster Gallery. The sculpture is a collection of found and fabricated materials to explore the subject of ecological uncertainty.
A visitor takes a photo of "Some Things" by Christopher Mahonski in the Voyage of Life exhibit featured in the McMaster Gallery. The sculpture is a collection of found and fabricated materials to explore the subject of ecological uncertainty.