https://leanneread.com/?page_id=260

Viral Strain is inspired by the consequential circumstances of the pandemic outside of the illness. Over the last few years, I have felt overwhelming anxiety and emotional hopelessness because of fear of the unknown and complete loneliness due to isolation and lack of social interactions. The effects that restrictions have had on my mental health, as well as the people around me, is something that we are just now starting to see the full effects of. I have witnessed relationships torn apart because of differing views on what should be done. Vulnerable people have been protected by measures implemented from the mask, vaccine, and testing mandates; however, with each new circumstance, there is a consequence, such as the proliferation of pandemic garbage.

The show uses real and heavy materials to represent the strain of the pandemic balanced by a light-hearted stylistic approach. I have seen firsthand the challenges the younger generations face as they maneuver through daily complications. The video game reference and use of new digital technologies in my installation are significant because video games, cell phones, and social media were often the go-to sources of entertainment and information, as children and youth lived in isolation for many months. Each level in the video game represents a situation that has been a challenge over the past two years. As we move through the levels, with the potential of losing our lives, we end up back at the beginning in a seemingly endless loop.

Water You Waiting For is a collaborative animated short that explores 16 of the most pressing water security issues facing Canada. As part of the project, I interviewed scientists from the Global Water Futures initiative and, alongside composer Ricardo Martins, translated their insights into a digital animation and musical score. Under the guidance of professors Lori Bradford (College of Engineering and School of Environment and Sustainability), Dean McNeill (Department of Music), and Lisa Birke (Department of Art & Art History), we crafted a narrative that follows a water droplet on a journey across Canada, illuminating the fragile balance of water sustainability while carrying a message of hope.

Screenings
Jan – Mar 2024 : Remai Modern, Saskatoon, SK. Screened in relation to the various themes and ideas from Kapwani Kiwanga’s exhibition “Remediation” through Remai Moderns film program during January, February, and March of 2024. The screenings occurred twice each month before Remai Modern’s Discovery Cinema film program.
Jan 2021 : BC Environmental Film Festival.
Dec 2021-ongoing : Global Institute for Water Safety Gallery (Online Gallery) Water You Waiting For

Awards
2022 : Artistic Engagement Award, Water You Waiting For, University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union, Undergraduate Project Symposium, University of Saskatchewan
2022 : Third Place – Social Sciences, Humanities & Fine Arts, Water You Waiting For, University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union, Undergraduate Project Symposium, University of Saskatchewan

Text Interviews
Jan 2022 : Top 10 News Stories of 2021, New USask short film highlights water security issues, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan
Dec 2021 : Leanne Read co-creates animated film that brings attention to water security, The Davidson Leader, Davidson, SK
Oct 2021 : Davidson artist’s work featured in Saskatoon global event, The Davidson Leader, Davidson, SK

ReNEWed_The Second Take explores the journey of piano parts excited to discover new possibilities. Multiple characters created from parts of a piano symbolize the bustling activity in my garage studio, reflecting my sculpture practice where I deconstruct pianos and transform them into new forms, expressing themes of renewal and second chances.
Each piano and sculpture is 3D scanned using photogrammetry apps such as KiriEngine, Scaniverse, Luma AI, and Qlone. The animation is created in Blender and edited in Premiere Pro, merging traditional art methods with digital media to bring the creations to life.
Incorporating audio excerpts from “American Look (Part I, 2 & 3)”, the soundscape creates a nostalgic yet futuristic atmosphere. The dialogue resonates with the themes of my work and my contemporary artistic journey. Music and sound effects reflect the transformation of piano parts, accentuating moments of creation and renewal.
Through this work, I highlight the potential for rebirth and transformation within discarded objects, challenging viewers to see beyond the surface and appreciate the meticulous details in everyday materials. ReNEWed_The Second Take serves as a metaphor for the creative process, illustrating how destruction can lead to creation, and how the past can inform and enrich the future.