Critical Writing Index

Possibilities of Redemption: Emily Vey Duke and Cooper Battersby Wrestle the Human Condition into a Touching, Comic Art

by Jon Davies

Canadian Art, Fall 2009, v. 26, no. 3, pp. 106-110

Jon Davies explores the highly philosophical works of duo Emily Vey Duke and Cooper Battersby. The universal nature of their work draws attention to realities and dilemmas of human nature and the everyday, mundane emotions and perspectives that tend to tag along. Duke and Battersby use video and animation, and incorporate found-footage and song/lyrical influences in their work.

(Key Words: universalism, emotion, philosophical, mundane, video, animation)

ITEM 2009.117 – available for viewing in the Research Centre

Videos, Artworks and Artists Cited

Rapt and HappyEmily Vey Duke and Cooper Battersby

Being Fucked UpEmily Vey Duke and Cooper Battersby

Bad Ideas for ParadiseEmily Vey Duke and Cooper Battersby

Curious About ExistenceEmily Vey Duke and Cooper Battersby

The New Freedom FoundersEmily Vey Duke and Cooper Battersby

Songs of Praise for the Heart Beyond CureEmily Vey Duke and Cooper Battersby

Year in the Life of the WorldEmily Vey Duke and Cooper Battersby