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STILL ALIVE
Katie Mazi
On display at NAC’s Flea Market Gallery

Still life paintings and drawings were commonly created, sold, collected and showcased since the 1300s and continue to be used as source material for artists. The still life is a timeless way to construct a work of art. Common elements include plants, food, flowers, drapery, vases, and jewellery as seen above.

Still Alive is a collection of found, household objects assembled to create a still life scene. The items on display were gathered from second-hand sources including this flea market. They all have gone through a similar cycle beginning at a retail store, to a residence, discarded and then brought together to restore their value. Each item has been through the process of being desired at one time, then unwanted. The intention of including reused imitation plant material along with ceramics was guided by their long lasting and timeless qualities, which are juxtaposed with their fragility and outdatedness. We are reminded of our own fragility, as the things we use, lose, trade, discard and find will often outlive us, as we move in and out of this world. Those who are passing by will view and perhaps document the scene if they choose.
Katie Mazi is an interdisciplinary artist based in the Niagara region. Her installation work immerses viewers into subversive domestic environments, while her photos illustrate vivid and deceptive scenes. She also uses painting and drawing to communicate fluid and immediate ideas. Mazi is most interested in using everyday objects to represent the absurdity of human behaviour, especially in relationship to non-human animals and the natural world.

To see more work visit: katiemazi.com