THINK A LOT
2nd year solo fine art exhibition by UVic Fine Arts MFA candidate LES666
Audain Gallery in the Visual Arts Building, University of VictoriaSeptember 15-20th, 2025
Tuesday, September 16, 12:34pm: Lunch & Learn w/LES666
Friday, September 19th, 6-10pm: Reception, with performances of DIELECTRIC and efemme
> featuring SHOWING UP IS MOST OF THE GRADE [Link to Performance Page] performance piece
Saturday, September 20th, 11-1pm: Drawing + Music w/ LES666 + Lesley Junior
Buy A Risograph Print of “THINK A LOT”
Abstract:
“And all owls think a lot…”
–quote from children’s story Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
Cumulative research and experiments in sound, video, projection, LES666 layers both analogue and digital in this second year MFA show. Creating an experiential and interactive environment, THINK A LOT takes its form as a deconstructed quilt in self-portrait. Its abstract patchwork of reflection, refraction and cyclical motion references their personal story of surrealist cinematic nostalgia. With responding light, colours, and sound, a woven meta-narrative invites you to imagine the significance and insignificance of events that feel like magic, imbuing the serendipity of the everyday. Connecting the stories we tell ourselves and stories that form ley lines through -and to- our family, friends, and even strangers that pass us by; every piece is put together in its ‘right place’ a duality of order and chaos. From a divination car radio to a street light turning off under your window, talking plants, and the remarkable perception given by a child, THINK A LOT tunes into crip theory comforts found nestled in the blanket of all-seeing frequencies.
There are 17 owls in the THINK A LOT exhibit
SHOWING UP IS MOST OF THE GRADE
2nd year MFA solo fine art exhibition by UVic Fine Arts candidate LES666
September 19th, 2025
“Showing up is most of the grade” was the accompaniment performance art piece to the THINK A LOT exhibition at the Audain Gallery.
In being encouraged to more directly include my performance art pieces into my thesis, while still feels strange, they are integral components to my artistic practice, language and history. This piece was me “getting ready” for the show.
At the time I was also teaching as a professor in Video Art, a studio class, with a bit of theory sprinkled in. I emphasized that most of their grade will come from being present in the room. That can be the hardest part. That’s why it’s most important.
In any room I am in, it’s a struggle for me to get there. If I’m there, I want credit, in that, I want you to know how much I care. As a parent – I found it impossible to show up in an art and music world that could not accommodate my new identity. It’s hard for me to get programmed as an artist when I can’t go to the music shows or gallery openings that I used to find so easy to attend. I keep strange hours. There is a lot in this piece that was fun and funny and is in dialogue with my other films titled “Getting Ready 1 & 2” > oh I love to talk. See my website for more www.les666.com and book a performance near you.
Photos By: Mat O’Hara
BUY A RISOGRAPH PRINT OF “THINK A LOT”, HERE!
THINK A LOT SHOW POSTER
THANK YOU:
Supervisor Carey Newman, committee members Paul Walde, Kelly Richardson, Kevin Kerr, Indeed Victoria, Zech Inkster, Cedric Bomford, Daniel Taggart-Hodge, Marian Boyer, Nanny (RIP), Mat O’Hara, Uncle Kevin, Uncle Walter, Holden, Diana Deutsch, Victoria Edgar, Alan Costaz, Ryan Duan, Peter MacBeth, Rainy Huang, Keith Jones, Hollis Roberts, Janine, Limbic Media, Cedric, Juliana Sech, Matt Munro, Scott Amos, Ciel Arbour-Boehme, Lia Liang, Monkey C, Shay Ball, Rainy Huang, Cameron Kidd, Jenna Poorman, Meow Wolf, Currents New Media SF, Morgan Cook, Adam Fothergill, Minutemen Printing, Plexi-Klass, Moniker Press, Guy Segel, Sohee Hong, Matty and all my friends and relations.
