DOING MY HOMEWORK

Exhibitions: Recently I saw a lot of art: at the AGO - Jack Chambers (blech, I got no feeling or connection from the work at all) Ian Baxter& ‘Works 1958-2011 (I liked the Rothko in plastic ok, and all those plastic molds. Those painted tvs are classik. But the taxidermy animals were so bad). Then drank in the group of 7 paintings and Haida argillite carvings next to Jack Chambers. Bee-u-tiful with a CAPITAL B. Then ‘Sovereign Acts’ curated by Wanda Nanibush at Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, which I really recommend seeing as it considers issues in the complexity of representation, cliché and reclaiming that representation as Aboriginal artists. General Hardware Contemporary for Celia Neubauer: Exit Enter (nice colours) The Mercer Union for TACTICAL USES OF A BELIEF IN THE UNSEEN: Deborah Stratman. I liked the giant speaker sound installation, you should go feel the vibration. Then I even got on the Artbus to see my friend Keren Cytter’s exhibition at Oakville Galleries (a fabulous show as I know her work already, but there wasn’t time to really watch much, with the opening and the tight bus schedule) and to the Art Gallery of Hamilton to see Mark Lewis and William Kurelek (wasn’t crazy about either unfortunately). Best thing was Keren’s play, part of the Images festival at Al Green Theatre, ‘I Eat Pickles At Your Funeral’. So good. Based on the premise of failing/cheating relationships, it felt like the most vulnerable thing she has written somehow. The humour wasn’t just the beautifully nerdy, witty badass armour that she is known for, but more the entrance way to the meat and potatoes of her thought process. And it was so nice that Andrew Kerton was one of the four actors, he is a performance artist from London, and so we got to catchup over ginandtonics and dumplings. Keren, Andrew and I attended De Ateliers in Amsterdam, which is how we know each other. The international cult where reunions are lovely, especially in my hometown, because that never happens. Photo by Lisa Marie Becker

ONTARIO ARTS COUNCIL, ACCESS IGNITES!

I recently participated in a wonderful symposium called Access Ignites, organized by the Ontario Arts Council. The event began with a traditional Anishnaabe blessing by Dan Commanda and ended with a hand drumming performance of the ‘Strong Woman Song’ by Veronica Johnny. Keynote speeches were made by Philip Akin, Samina Mansuri, and Jani Lauzon. For two days, fellow grant recipients of the Access and Career Development Grant shared presentations, performances and projects.

This was an opportunity for Aboriginal artists and artists of colour to learn, or be mentored in a way that relates to their cultural heritage. For two days we ate together, brainstormed, discussed our experiences and learned from each other. We addressed goals and strategies in continuing to establish true multiculturalism, issues of tokenism and visibility, barriers as artists of colour. It was so super nice to have such a diverse group of unified camaraderie, and made me feel really proud to be from Ontario, a province with such eclectic talent. Additionally, I think it was one of the few times I could remember where I was in a room full of artists and did not feel one iota of competition vibes whatsoever. The organizers of this event, Bushra Junaid and Nazanin Shoja, facilitated an inclusive space, which was constructive, meaningful, and inspiring.

In regards to my own project (which I have written about in past posts) – to study the lion dance drum in order to transfer that energy into my paintings – I was able to pursue this ‘secret project’, as Wanda Nanibush called it. She developed the program only five years ago. Other grant recipients agreed that when applying for this grant, it was an application that felt really like it was coming from the heart more than the brain.

Anyway, again, I am very happy to have been part of this event, to experience the immense scope of creativity and wisdom in our province. Ontario artists, if you might qualify, please apply for the upcoming deadline: Ontario Arts Council, Access and Career Development Grant May 1, 2012