Dean Baldwin: The Dork Porch

EXHIBITION OVERVIEW

Dean Baldwin has transformed the Young Gallery into a fanciful yet functional interpretation of a backyard deck. His installation is constructed from building materials, vintage finds, found objects and edible items. Visitors can view The Dork Porch from its exterior, or they can book one of its tables and become part of the artwork while they enjoy a meal.

Over the past ten years, Baldwin has developed a practice that blurs the lines between art and life. Like much of his work, The Dork Porch bears the mark of Baldwin’s bon vivant spirit. He savours the comforts of life and invites his viewers to join in a celebration of food and drink. At the same time, his reflections on art, audience and consumption challenge what you would expect from both the fine dining and museum-going experiences.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Although Baldwin has been somewhat nomadic since he was awarded the Canada Council International Residency in London, UK, in 2009, he still self-identifies as a Toronto-based artist. His recent projects include Fattening Frogs for Snakes, curated by Andrew Davies for No. 9: Contemporary Art & the Environment, presented at the Royal Bank Plaza, Toronto (2009); Sweet Dreams, curated by Barbara Fischer for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche at the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, Hart House, Toronto (2008); and Never Been to Tehran, curated by Andrea Grover and Jon Rubin for venues in Iran, Turkey, Denmark, New Zealand, Germany and the United States (2007).