John Greer: Civilization

Civilization consists of 13 giant fragments of human bones sculpted in marble by Halifax artist John Greer. These monumental vanitas emblems include six pieces reminiscent of bone chips and seven specific forms: part of a skull-cap (suggesting mentality), the top of a femur (upright mobility), a floating rib (breath or spirit), part of a jaw (verbal communication) and three sections of thumb (dexterity or industry). While this work may be read symbolically, it is equally important to experience it concretely, as an embodied viewer for whom the scale and physicality of the work is palapable. The exhibition was curated by Cliff Eyland, and organized and circulated by the Confederation Centre Art Gallery & Museum with the support of the Canada Council.