More shameless self promotion, come May 12th!


Dear Artpost,

I'm sorry that my last two articles are press releases, but this is what happens when an artist changes from observation to making mode. The following is a pretty casual and experimental show in the gallery of the White House where we both have studios, and I am excited to be collaborating once again with one of my best friends Dessa Harhay. We've known each other since we were 9 years old and I'll never forget fond memories of being teenagers, er aimless idiots in Toronto, trying to find something creative to do. We even took summer class for kicks in Parkdale where we found a loaded gun up top a cabinet during our snooping meanderings, and I don't know if she remembers this, but once she decided to colour each of her teeth in with different colour permanent markers. That's pretty inspirational to me still.

In some ways we are very different people now, I don't think she would do that anymore whereas I totally would, but don't want to rip her off.
Anyway, please come to the opening, where Dessa brings the hip and I'll bring the grunge!


Exhibition opening 'Sick!' - Amy Wong and Dessa Harhay, May 12th 2011 7PM-1AM
exhibition on display through May 20th
Gallery viewing hours: daily 1-5pm

New Work by Dessa Harhay and Amy Wong

www.dessaharhay.com/
www.amywongwebsite.blogspot.com/

'Sick!' presents new work by Toronto born artists Dessa Harhay and Amy Wong. The two painters will be exhibiting work that reflect the ambiguity of the word 'sick' - referring to notions of either being affected by physical and mental illness, or as a compliment - a word that takes on both a positive and negative light depending on context. The exhibition contemplates decadence, beauty, consumerist culture, information overload, the recent election results in Canada and the search for spirit throughout.

Having exhibited together as founding members of local art collective, the YPF, Harhay and Wong have often developed their practice side by side as Concordia University fine arts graduates (Montreal, QC). Since living in Montreal, both artists have taken different paths, leading them to live in separate parts of the world such as Chicago, Amsterdam, China, and New York. They have now regrouped in Toronto to show a collection of new work reflecting their growth while apart.

Opening Thursday May 12th, 7PM:

Featuring DJ dance party (DJ Ambulance Wolf)
www.ambulancewolf.blogspot.com/

Live musical experience with Parent-Teacher Night:
www.myspace.com/parentteachernight

and BON FIRE Jewelry line by Rachel Hawkes Cameron
www.rachelhawkescameron.com/