This exhibition invites viewers on an uncanny road trip along Highway 16 in Northwest British Columbia. Featuring gouache paintings by Emily Wilson, Up Around the Bend presents fragments of memories collected throughout a life spent living, working and driving through this region. These works consider the complicated presence of humanity within the natural world, showing the highway as a transitional space between the urban and the wild. Signs of settlement and industry are scattered among creatures and plant life, arranged with pattern, decoration and repetition inspired by folk arts. Billboards reflect the culture and wide-ranging politics of Northwest British Columbia through simple language, while offering moments of comic relief. By layering gouache on dark paper, Wilson brings from the shadows things that might otherwise be overlooked.

On view at Smithers Art Gallery from Feb 26th - March 29th. Opening reception on Friday, Feb 28th from 7-9 PM.