WHAT'S HIDDEN IN THE SHADOWS
Marla Benton
Opening Sunday, July 5 | 1–4 pm
“What’s Hidden in the Shadows” is an immersive sculptural exhibition that explores the delicate interplay between form, light, and shadow through a series of porcelain tile installations. Suspended like curtains from rods and lit with intention, each piece invites the viewer to not only see, but to truly perceive the spaces in between.
The body of work centers around hand-formed, semi-translucent porcelain tiles shaped into birds, fish and flowers. These motifs, deeply rooted in rural Nova Scotia and its coastal waters, evoke the quiet beauty and fleeting presence of wildlife. Birds are inspired by daily encounters in nature, while the fish and sea elements stem from intimate observations made while kayaking along Nova Scotia’s rugged shores. Positioned low and close to the surface of the water, being in a kayak gives a glimpse to life beneath and above, revealing a constant movement and light.
The tiles are suspended using fine wire, connected in cascading groups, and hung from either metal or wooden rods. These curtain-like structures are affixed a few inches away from the wall, either from the ceiling or the wall itself, allowing a physical and conceptual depth to emerge. Gallery lighting is focused on the installations to cast strong, animated shadows of the tiles.
Each piece, ranging in size from 12” x 24” x 1” to 72” x 96” x 1”, is light and airy in physical construction, but expansive in conceptual scope. The contrast between the stark white porcelain and the deep shadows heightens the visibility of the unseen, doubling or even tripling the forms as they are projected onto adjacent surfaces. This interplay urges viewers to look not only at the tangible ceramic forms but also at the shapes they cast, challenging perceptions of where the artwork begins and ends. The viewer is asked to consider not only the object and its shadow, but also the void between them.
The porcelain used is hand-rolled into delicate thin tiles, transforming from fragile to durable through the firing process. Its natural brightness enhances the sharpness of shadows, while the minimal material depth (no more than 0.25") makes each installation feel both intimate and expansive. This interplay between positive form, negative space, and light creates a subtle choreography that merges sculpture with installation and environment.
All works are lightweight, easy to install, and adaptable to various gallery configurations. The hooks are suitable for drywall or stud mounting. Most standard gallery lighting is effective in achieving the desired shadow play.
“What’s Hidden in the Shadows” is a visual meditation on perception, presence, and the spaces in between. It offers a poetic yet playful investigation into how we see the light and darkness of the world around us.
MARLA BENTON is a ceramic artist and educator based in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. Her practice spans both studio-based work and large-scale community projects, with a strong emphasis on creating interactive art that invites personal connection. Through her gallery pieces and installations, Benton integrates text and unexpected elements that challenge conventions, evoke curiosity, and encourage active participation.
Originally from a small town in Ontario, Benton discovered her passion for clay while studying at the Ontario College of Art & Design. She later transferred to the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, where she earned her degree in ceramics. Benton went on to complete a second degree in Education at Nipissing University.
She combines her artistic expertise with her teaching background to engage in larger community and educational initiatives. Benton is an instructor at the Lunenburg School of the Arts and The Ark in Bridgewater, where she continues to share her love of clay through workshops.
Her work has been exhibited and published in both Canada and the United States. Benton has received several prestigious grants, including Canada Council Creation Grants, ArtsNS Grants, and ArtsSmarts Grants from the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. She has also participated in numerous artist residencies across Canada.
