SIGHT-specific is an ongoing series that refers to the term ‘site-specific’, a term used when an artwork responds to or has a direct correlation with a specific location, putting emphasis on our relationship to the land and its particular context. SIGHT-specific addresses the importance of our relationship with the land while challenging our reliance on sight in traditionally visual spaces and traditionally represented visual art, including landscapes – places with abundant sensory experiences.

The SIGHT-specific series represents definitive landmark characteristics from both national and international locations that Brouwer has visited through embossed surfaces, fragrant scents, and audio recorded documentation represented on two-dimensional surfaces – mediums that are often prohibited to touch – to enable an accessible, immersive experience of various types of landscapes for Blind and low vision audiences. The painted landscape prints have been intentionally abstracted and blurred with some areas missing, challenging the sighted viewer to imagine the completed landscape through touch and description. These artworks are paired with audio recordings of image descriptions and sounds found in the represented location, which are activated when touched.

Brouwer’s attention to land and culture in each location illustrates the need to recognize the importance of how we value and remember land. Furthermore, land that is deeply connected to lifestyle and quality of life is described by the French as “terroir”. This way of living with full sensory awareness, appreciation, and collaboration with the land has inspired Brouwer to develop this series with the idea of landscape, and our interaction with landscapes, as a language. This interactive collection of land portraits reminds us to be intentionally present to all our senses in natural spaces, to practice gratitude for these spaces amidst a global climate crisis, and to develop a stronger bond to the Canadian landscape as an integral part of life.

 

CANADA

 

 

FRANCE

 

The artist gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund and Canada Council for the Arts.