Danika Vandersteen’s How Many Versions of Thyself is the first exhibition to occupy the crisp new white wall at Lost & Found. The shop-gallery-venue that sits on the corner of Agricola and Harris has long been host to exciting artists, pop ups and performances, but it has had a bit of a facelift recently. Now, with a few small changes, the space presents an opportunity to really showcase Vandersteen’s graphic drawings. 
Danika Vandersteen, How Many Versions of Thyself ‘Til You Reach That English Country Garden, 2016, ink, watercolour, acrylic, chalk pastel on paper
Each drawing in How Many Versions of Thyself is a repeating pattern that unfolds as a narrative told through weird hidden objects and a regular cast of characters. Shapes morph and twirl around bodies in busy rhythmic movements. Coffee drips from cups then turns into wine splashing out of glasses around legs before dancing into dollar signs. Musical instruments surround wide-eyed faces. The pictures are alive and capture the many multiple talents comprising the life of just about any woman in the art world: musician, artist, organizer, administrator – a juggling act of doppelgangers holding together a lively scene.
The five drawings that comprise this exhibition are made in pencil and ink over a grid. Remnants of this under-structure remain in faint imprint after being erased and make the drawings feel like sheets of a musical composition, even though they are laid out just like plans for patterned textiles. In the past Vandersteen has drawn her repeating patterns onto beautifully crafted leather objects, but seeing them larger and more detailed on paper is delightful.
Lost & Found: https://www.instagram.com/lostandfoundhfx/
Danika Vandersteen: How Many Versions of Thyself continues until March 26.
Anna Taylor is an artist, crafter, and organizer sitting on the board of the Halifax Crafters Society. She is Akimblog’s Halifax correspondent and can be followed on Twitter @TaylorMadeGoods.
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Danika Vandersteen at Lost & Found
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