Photographer Brian Howell's 'Chainsaw Rorschach Test' Exhibition at Gallery Jones

A Vancouver-based photographer best known for creating documentary photographs rooted in activism, Brian Howell is exhibiting his latest works at Gallery Jones in the Armoury District.

As a photographer who creates documentary works rooted in activism, Howell is one of the rare residents who was born within city limits.

Immediately, guests are drawn to the pieces in ‘Chainsaw Rorschach Test’ exhibition as they appear to be a kaleidoscope of hard-edged elements that immediately bring incredible mechanical insects frozen in blackness to mind.

Upon closer contemplation, the viewers realize that the elements are, in fact, well-worn chainsaw assemblages.

“The feedback on ‘Chainsaw Rorschach Test’ has been quite inspiring,” shares Howell. “Referring to them as Rorschach tests opened a number of conversations about how each individual was perceiving the pieces.

“Some saw insects; others saw masks, and others saw them very literally. One gentleman was taken aback by one of the saws that he hadn’t seen since childhood in Pakistan. For some, it wasn’t immediately obvious that the pieces were made from vintage chain saws.”

In these latest works, Howell has dismantled and repurposed a familiar laden object to create a duality of perception, the cursory illusion and then the latent rational reading.

The powerful presented images, robotic by design, effectively form a visual bond with the viewer and addresses our thorny relationship with technology and the ideology of progress. The portable chainsaw, a Canadian invention, entered BC’s forest in 1937, reshaping the industry and west coast forever.

Tree fallage dramatically increased twentyfold by 1939, making forestry the province’s leading and most profitable industry.

“The chainsaw, a symbol of human industry and progress, takes on a paradoxical role as both creator and destroyer. By using this powerful tool, I aim to highlight the dichotomy between the allure of technological advancement and its ecological consequences.

“The vintage chainsaw evokes a sense of nostalgia, prompting viewers to reflect on the historical roots of our current environmental predicament. The Rorschach Test, traditionally used for psychological interpretation, pushes viewers to engage in subjective interpretation, drawing connections between the chaotic patterns of the chainsaw itself and the deliberate symmetry of the Rorschach-like compositions.

“This subjective experience encourages introspection and prompts questions about our collective responsibility in shaping the future of our planet. The use of vintage chainsaws serves as a metaphorical bridge between the past and present, highlighting the enduring impact of industrialization on our environment. Each piece  is a visual echo, reverberating with the decisions made in the past that continue to shape our world today.

“Through this series, I hope to spark a conversation about the urgent need for sustainable practices and responsible consumption. By confronting the viewer with the stark reality of our environmental footprint,  I aspire to foster a heightened awareness of the delicate balance between progress and preservation.”

Howell’s early work includes ‘One Ring Circus,’ a book of photographs depicting indie wrestling in BC. The photographs were widely published and exhibited, ultimately leading to editorial collaborations with several publications, including The Guardian Weekend magazine.

His second book, ‘Fame Us,’ is a series of portraits of celebrity impersonators and was referred to as the “eeriest photography book of 2007” by The New York Times. These early projects eventually paved the way for Howell’s acclaimed series, ‘Shopping Carts’ and subsequent series, ‘Burnt Forests.’

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.