How does architecture shape our physical and social interactions?

That question is being explored in a new exhibition at Burnaby Art Gallery.

RenŽe Van Halm: Cross Cutting/Inside Out opens Thursday, Feb. 9 and continues at the gallery until April 8.

It's the first survey exhibition of the work of the B.C. artist, and it spans more than 30 years of work dating from 1979 to the present.

Van Halm's diverse work includes collage, installation, printmaking, gouache, oil and acrylic paints.

The works selected for the exhibition, by guest curator Sophie Brodovitch, focus primarily on Van Halm's interest in the social role of architecture.

"References to iconic design elements and modernist architectural language are layered and obfuscated through painterly abstraction and figuration, creating works that are enticing and challenging," said a gallery press release. "Three-dimensional installation pieces are also included to give presence to Van Halm's interest in the materiality of architecture, illustrating how the viewer brings his/her own subjectivity to experiencing architecture."

An opening reception for the exhibition is set for Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.

Burnaby Art Gallery is at 6344 Deer Lake Ave. It's open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, see www.burnabyartgallery.ca.