Take the Easy Way

Take the Easy Way is a somewhat dubious sentiment, alluding to a slackness — like seeking the easy path signals weakness in one’s character and a lack of work ethic. But Instant Coffee offers it as sound advice, ringing like a slogan intended to market the very product the Canadian artist collective uses as their moniker. Why expend more energy than needed just add water and stir? This language of consumption, implying we tend to laziness, is an invitation of sorts and an acknowledgement that the path of least resistance is generally the one taken.

For Instant Coffee’s third solo exhibition at MKG127, they have amalgamated a selection of recent work, bringing together distinctive elements within a uniform design. A graphic pattern based on the collective’s logo* and inspired by the Danish designer Verner Panton will be the backdrop for a series of objects and images with a focus on interior design, turning the gallery into a showroom.

Instant Coffee [IC] is a service oriented curatorial and artist collective based in Toronto and Vancouver. Instant Coffee developed, in part, as a response to the division and exaggerated difference between studio and exhibition practice. Through formal installations and event-based activities the collective builds a public place to practice, where ideas, materials and actions can be explored outside of the isolated studio and in a manner that renegotiates traditional exhibition structures, but is still supported by them.

Instant Coffee has an extensive art practice, spanning over ten years. As an artist collective they have invested in combining the social with the aesthetic, and as such have worked in public spaces to engage large audiences. IC has shown internationally and have exhibited in many prominent art institutions as well have produced numerous Public Art projects. In 2013 IC will launch a publication with YYZ Artist Outlet and participate in a residence programme at Incheon Art Platform, S. Korea. IC recently produced two wall murals, Perpetual Sunset, a sequin sunset in Richmond, BC and Blanket Mural a sculptural wall mural for the City of Edmonton. Also in 2012 they produced a colourful environment for the South Hill Community in Vancouver, Nothing Happens in Good Weather. As part of the City of Vancouver’s 2010 Cultural Olympic programme, IC opened Light Bar a full-spectrum light bar installation and venue for light therapy, light lectures, light shows, light reading and light rock. In 2009 IC exhibited the Disco Fallout Shelter, at the Toronto Sculpture Garden, and as part of Subvision, Hamburg; Nooks as part of How Soon is Now, Vancouver Art Gallery; Light Bar as part of Assume Nothing, New Social Practice, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria; Bright Future as part of 88 Blocks Art on Main a Public Art Commission by Translink.

Instant Coffee is Jinhan Ko, Kelly Lycan, Khan Lee, Jenifer Papararo, Kate Monro and Cecilia Berkovic.
*The IC logo design was produced by Stephen Crowhurst in 2000