Mary, Anne, Joan

National Arts Centre / Centre National des Arts, Ottawa, June 30, Aug 30 2022

Mary, Anne, Joan was created for Heather Nicol’s hometown to honour the matriarchs of her family. Heather’s elderly mother Mary and her sisters, Anne and Joan, shared a coming of age filled with joy, sadness, and unexpected circumstances. This installation featured three giant spinning satin-gown forms, each representing an archetype of postwar femininity while conjuring images of megaphones, underskirt games, and glamorous attire. Within each playful interior were concealed pendant speakers playing an immersive multi-channel audio score evoking childhood antics and achievements. The work celebrated the fleeting yet never-ending nature of girlishness. 

Mary, Anne, Joan was dedicated to Catherine Anne Robertson (Christie), 1938 – 1973

Fae Alexander, Vocals
Mark Camilleri, Piano
Maxine Kenneally, Vocals
Neal Evans, Double Base
Peg Evans, Vocals
And special thanks to our young vocalists, Augie and Maeve
And also: Marvin Schlichting, Felsen Tailors