John Mann (rendered by Kevin Dubois)
John Mann (rendered by Kevin Dubois)
John Mann (rendered by Kevin Dubois)
Loss of Found
“Loss of Found” is Kevin Dubois’ representation of the brain of his close friend John Mann. In another time, Dubois might have chosen to do a marble bust of Mann to honour him. Instead now, Dubois has chosen to “marble” Mann’s brain. The humour and irony inherent in this sculpture embody qualities that Dubois has known and loves in Mann. Yet, the marbles also contain the poignancy of a time gone by representing the “loss” we all are experiencing as Mann’s early onset Alzheimer’s progresses. The beauty in the colours and movement also illustrate Mann’s beauty as he is again leading the way for us with his ever present dignity and grace.
About The Artist
John Mann is co-founder and lead vocalist of the legendary West Coast group Spirit of the West. In their nearly 35-year career they have earned three Gold and two Platinum albums, induction into the Halls of Fame of the Western Canadian Music Association, Society of Composers and Authors of Canada, and have a bronze star on Theatre Row on Granville Street. Mann has also been awarded the Beautiful Heart Award by the Access to Music Foundation of B.C. for his many charitable works. He is co-writer of “Home for a Rest,” a song often referred to as Canada’s Unofficial National Anthem.
Mann also has made three solo albums and enjoyed a long history with the Arts Club, which began with the role of the Engineer in “Miss Saigon.” Since then, he has performed in “Cabaret,” “Les Misérables” and “Blood Brothers.” He received a Jessie Award for his soundscape in “Dancing at Lughnasa.” His work with the Vancouver Playhouse includes appearances in “Beyond Eden,” “The River” and “Of Mice and Men,” for which he also received a Jessie Award (Sound Design).
Mann has a long list of TV and film credits for his recurring characters on “Da Vinci’s Inquest” and “Intelligence.”
He has always turned adversity into art and is grateful to Kevin Dubois, Baycrest and the Brain Project for doing the same.
Kevin Dubois is a painter, printmaker and musician who lives and works in Vancouver.
He challenges his traditional art training by combining multiple materials and experimenting with mediums such as intaglio, lithography, glass plate printing and painting. He has also worked in wood, paper and photography, as well as in stained, enameled, cast and blown glass.
Dubois graduated from OCAD, now OCAD University, in 1978 and from the University of British Columbia with his MFA in 1997.
Dubois is honoured that his close friend, John Mann of Spirit of the West, chose him to represent Mann’s brain for The Brain Project 2017. Kevin also wishes to thank Erian Baxter for her support, Jill Daum for her guidance and the many marble gatherers too. www.kevindubois.ca