Evan Sproat Uneven Paths

Uneven Paths is a new sculptural series by Evan Sproat exploring the structural relationship between colour, material, and light – reveling in and revealing the interplay of process and perception. The unconventional pairing of materiality and technique play with density and colour to create pixelated trompe-l’oeil illusions which optically disguise the mediums’ representational boundaries. Layers of knitted stripes of fine woolen yarn and custom-designed transparent polyester paillettes (an enlarged sequin) innovatively reimagine the traditional woven textiles of gingham, plaid, tartan, and madras.

Exploring the perpendicular grid systems of interlacing warp and weft found in these geometric textiles, new sequences are spliced and shifted within layered, colorful matrices. Applied one at a time by hand, nearly 9,000 three and five-hole paillettes overlap to provide structural tension and rigidity to the openwork base. Rows of hand-knit elongated stitches alternate throughout, creating a delicate grid.Designed to thoughtfully engage the exceptional natural illumination available in this unique window gallery, light serves as both medium and collaborator – activating transmission, shadow, and optical shifts to create surfaces that oscillate between structure and illusion, radiating patterns of focused and colourful light across the space.

The exhibition traces the work’s evolution from research and creation to material experimentation and developments to final compositions, conceptually springing from Sproat’s 2025 Malaspina Printermedia Residency which explored the intersections of textiles, pattern, and sculpture.

Evan Sproat is a Prairie-raised, Vancouver-based, Canadian artist who utilizes meditative techniques, materiality, storytelling and performance to create sculptural textile-based pieces, costumes and installations. His work manifests intimate ruminations on queer identity, circumstance, relationships and personal history.

@evanmichaelsproat
www.evansproat.com