CONTEMPLATING GLACIERS - ART EXHIBIT

In Jan's Cryoconite Studies, the she captures the transient yet powerful presence of cryoconite through a delicate and intentional process on Arches archival  watercolour paper, which itself carries a sense of permanence. The use of two light ink washes creates a subtle foundation that mirrors the natural environment of cryoconite, a substance that forms on glaciers and accelerates the melting process significantly.

Using black india ink, Jan delicately applied a dropper to disperse the ink while the paper was still wet; this  allowed for an organic diffusion effect, which mimics the unpredictable and fluid nature of cryoconite. This technique creates a visually dynamic interaction between the ink and the paper, with the resulting forms spreading and evolving as they dry, much like cryoconite itself interacts with its icy surroundings. 

The shapes which emerge are unpredctable, and this spontaneity creates not merely just abstract forms; they are grounded in reality, inspired by Jan's photographs of actual cryoconite. Although not entirely representational, the randomness introduced through the ink's diffusion speaks to the chaotic and uncontrollable nature of climate processes - very similar to Jan's uncontrolled process. Each study becomes a meditation on the fragility of glacial environments and the quiet but insistent force of cryoconite as both an agent of transformation and a symbol of the ongoing impact of climate change. 

Artistically, Jan’s work invites viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between randomness and intention, a balance that mirrors the natural world's response to human-induced changes. The subtle variations in each study encourage a deeper engagement, asking viewers to consider the nuances of the forms and the processes that shape them, much like the slow but relentless melting of glaciers. 

Cryoconite Studies thus becomes a visual metaphor for the unseen and often overlooked elements that contribute to the larger narrative of environmental change, capturing both the beauty and the urgency of the subject matter. The artwork not only reflects Jan’s technical skill and thoughtful approach to material and process but also serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of natural systems and the delicate tipping points that define our current ecological moment. - Jessica Turner, Curator

Cryoconite is a powdery windblown dust made of a combination of small particles from erosion, ash, soot and microbes. These deposits build up on snow, glaciers, or ice caps. Their dark colour absorbs solar radiation, melting the snow or ice beneath the deposit, creating a cryoconite hole. Cryoconites may contain dust from far away continental deserts or farmland, particles from volcanic eruptions or power plant emissions, ash from forest fires, and soot. A recent study found that combustion of petroleum was a major contributor of dust particles on the Athabasca Glacier. During the summer cryoconite holes frequently contain water, providing a niche for cold-adapted micro-organisms like bacteria, algae and micro-animals like rotifers and tardigrades. The dark particles decrease the reflectivity, or albedo of ice, increasing absorption of heat. Cryoconite is constantly being added to snow and ice formations along with snow. It is buried within the snow or ice, but as the snow or ice melts increasing amounts of dark matter is exposed on the surface, accelerating melting. - Jan Kabatoff, Artist

Record Nine Metres of Melt Observed on Alberta's Athabasca Glacier