Darlene Kalynka: Four Oldest Daughters

Runs through 09/28/2019.

Opening reception: Friday, September 6th, 5-8pm 

Through September 28th

Four Oldest Daughters, 2017, is a series of four large copper-­‐plate etchings, each printed on Gampi paper, eighty-­‐eighty inches in height and of variable width. They depict tools of labour — scythes that stand in metaphorically for four generations of women in my family who have originated from an agricultural background and have fostered a strong work ethic. I remember my paternal grandmother using one of these scythes with expertise when cutting tall grasses in our families’ farmyards north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on the Canadian Prairies — a part of her cultural background experienced in the Ukraine. My mother Stella and both of my grandmothers, as well as myself were oldest daughters who were expected to look after younger members of the family as well as do the chores on the farm. At times many of these oldest daughters were expected to leave school early to contribute to the family farm. In this body of work I am celebrating and honoring women who gave up so much and worked so hard.