Mr. Mo’Jo is risin’ again.
Not a reference to the acronym of late singer Jim Morrison’s last name, sung famously in The Doors’ L.A. Woman, this Mo’Jo is the name of a new exhibition opening in Vernon.
Respected Saskatchewan sculptor Jo Fafard is returning to Headbones Gallery with 13 new bronze sculptures never seen before in the Okanagan.
“Having driven to Regina to pick up the works and visiting both (his) foundry and the studio, we realize the great privilege of presenting pieces that possess appeal, mastery and as always with Fafard, a great take on life,” said Julie Oakes, who runs Headbones with her partner Richard Fogerty.
“Fafard revolutionized sculpture by turning his attention to family, community and animals, creating works that edify a quotidian country life style. His often life-size sculptures of horses and cows are seen in public spaces in grand cities and cherished in private collections, a heritage to pass on to future generations.”
Fafard first came to national eminence with his ceramic figures and animals and then turned to creating bronze works.
Often farmed out to a working foundry, Fafard built his own foundry in Pense, Sask., just outside of Regina.
“The foundry is a family affair and began in a farm building to store equipment and now has been expanded to house various studios necessary to the fabrication of bronze sculpture,” said Oakes.
Fafard’s latest cut steel piece, Everything is Under Control, showing a minotaur riding a horse on wheels, addresses the latest drop in oil prices and the Canadian dollar. It will be one of the pieces shown in the Mo’Jo exhibition.
A family affair, Fafard’s son, Joel Farfard, an award winning guitar player, will arrive at Headbones to perform his third concert at the gallery Feb. 20, while Joel’s partner, Megan Mansbridge, is also showing her works in Headbones’ Drawers Gallery.
“Her show features five paintings of hens, each named after a prominent female artist and each showing attitude,” said Oakes.
The opening reception for Jo Fafard’s Mo’Jo takes place Thursday, Feb. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. The show runs to March 26.
Tickets for Joel Fafard’s concert, Feb. 20, are now available at the Bean Scene or can be reserved by calling Headbones at 250-542-8987.